Rob's whack method works well either before or after glassing.
I worked from the cockpit end on all the forms except the last few in the ends. As long as you use a sharp - short stroke type whack and don't try to blast the form clear out the other end, you can do it without damage and can place the whack precisely where you want. Things are usually loose enough after that to remove the end forms toward the cockpit.

I removed the forms from both deck and hull and glued the forms back into the hull for glassing the outside hull. In most cases the hot glue separates clean from the wood.

I wouldn't even think of blasting my yak full of staples!

: OK,OK I get the message. It is only a kayak after all. Trouble is, I've
: defined myself by this project for the last few (several) months; probably
: my first mistake.

: I was so determined to get that deck off . . .

: Last night I took a good look . . . most of the cracks will be near
: invisible. I have a couple that created ridges - I'll have to sand the
: whole deck. So I've lost some time. Vacation's coming, and I'll catch up;
: maybe have the thing in the water this season.

: Thanks for all the input and support.

: R (who sometimes needs the mallet method to the head! (thanks Chip)