What's the best way to remove the sun pad deck? I was thinking telescopic fork lift and sling it, but concerned about keeping it from flopping around.

Pulled mine 26zx off with a few thick ratchet straps and a gantry crane.

Opened the hatch all the way. Ran the straps crossed under and around the hatch. Unhooked the ram. Raised the hatch to 90degrees and in unbolted the hinges. Rolled the boat out from under it.

Did it by myself with no issues to pull the motor and replace/upgrade the coupler

28zx.... Disassembled it in pieces. Me and a buddy lifted it off.