Questions for spetre owners

[riptide]

Hello all,I just started ripping into my new to me 77 spetre.Looks like I'll have to replace the fuel tank.The hatches are in bad shape too.My question is what have you guys done to make those hatches water tight and still have access to the blidge and batteries?
Also has anyone relocated the batteries to a better area?
I also have this pie plate on the deck behind the helm chair but there is nothing under it except foam.Can't figure out why its there.
Here are a few pics.







Guess I'll be rewiring the whole electrical system too.What a mess.

I would also like to change the scuppers so they exit the transom above the water line.Has anyone done this that could give me some pointers?

Thanks for any help in advance. Jerry