23'cc rebuild: Battery Location?

[andrewgaynor]

Hi all
So, I'm in the middle of a deck/hatch/console re-build on my '74 23' cc...I have a couple of questions: 1. have others opted to move the battery location on the 23cc? and 2. what about that back deck plate? make it opening?
It seems strange to have the battery down in the bidge - but I believe this is the original location? anyone else have concerns with this?
the round standard deck plates that are in that most aft center hatch plate seems small to access the battery. the previous owner had actually made that whole back panel into a sort-of-lifting hatch (no hinges, no seal) - to also access the oil tank, bidge pump and all that important stuff back there - which makes sense.
but I would also think it would be a good idea to keep the floor water-tight - especially given the floor may be a bit low to start with on these old boats...
another option would be to put a large bomar deck hatch back there.
any suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks,
redrocket