M_Boats: Bow rail removal

I just removed, varnished and re-bedded all the brightwork on my M-17. Now I'd like to re-bed my bow rail, since I'm seeing gaps in the bedding compound -- but I can't it off. I've removed the bolts and banged the rail with a hammer and piece of wood, but the thing seems cemented in place. I'd hate to yank out chunks of deck with the pulpit. I'm assuming that the rail was originally bedded with polysulfide caulk. Has anyone else had this trouble -- or have a good solution? Thanks, Gordon