M_Boats: Centerboard line attachment, Montgomery 15

Hello, I have a 2002 Montgomery 15. Has anyone had to replace the line to their centerboard? I thought this would be easy, but I don't see how to get to it. A squirrel chewed through the line at deck level. The boat was on the trailer so the centerboard did not drop. There is a wood step in the way across the hatch entrance with a hole where the line ran through. I don't see any easy way to remove this either. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Steve