Getting into Hot Water

[keypontrikin]

Hi,
I'm replacing the leaking hot water tank in my '88 Monaco. I think there's
enough room to wrestle it around in the cupboard without tearing all the
plumbing out. I've disconnected sink drains, water lines, gas, and electrical.
Outside I undid the 3 long screws I could see and 1 that was screwed into the
side. That looks like all that was holding it. There is a seam of silicone along
the bottom outside edge which I sliced with a knife. I pried and wiggled the
heater around and I can't really tell if it's free or not.

I can't get much of a grip on it and I'd like to know if the outer
casing,(galvinized), needs to be preserved or if I can pull on it to help move
this thing. So any ideas about how to get it out would help.

I don't have a replacement yet so don't know what needs to be saved off the old
one.

Any help appreciated.

Bob