Re: '89 Bayliner Avanti restoration - where to start?
OK, irregardless whatever it is...
Once you get to the point of trying to wedge something between the two parts to begin separating them, go very slowly and use the thinnest possible putty knife to work in there...do a tiny bit on one side, then move around to another spot, keep moving around until you start to get some separation, the use another putty knife or even some wood/plastic shims to keep the gap you started, open, and keep working around the whole perimeter, inserting wedges, little by little...I don't recommend using heat from a propane torch because you may damage some seals inside, but that may be another option, just use it sparingly...if you get a little separation, spray some penetrating oil into the gap and let it sit over night...another thing you can do is to put the nuts back on the studs until they are even with the ends of the studs, and while doing the prying thing, tap/ bang the nuts evenly all around...time, patience and persistence are your friends...good luck