Thanks for the photos, I'm not sure why mine has been shaved. Maybe it was over built and cut down to fit the trim. Did you have fake wood formica in this section? I have formica, some type of aluminum foil backer board and then contact cement.
I have two batteries in the starboard lazarrette all the way forward at the house bulkhead. I have an additional smaller batteries right behind the lower drawer on the left of the companion way as you exit the house. This was the configuration when I bought the boat, I think the original battery location is where I now have the two batteries.
The trim is the wood Formica covered in the ugly tan vinyl the hull is lined with. Someday I will replace it with real hull liner. Maybe with the cushions this winter.
I have a platform forward in the starboard lazarett but I didn't know if it was intended for the batteries or a hot water heater. Thanks! My boat came to me re-powered with a 2gm20F Yanmar. It was delivered with Westerbeake. Most were sold with A-4s. Lots has changed. I'm moving the primary wiring to the port lazarett forward bulkhead. Both Starter and Alternator are on that side. I'm pretty sure a pair of golf cart batteries will go under the galley sink so all will be right there. The Yanmar fuel pump, filter, and return are on the starboard side along with the raw water inlet. Primary Fuel filter, raw water Strainer and coolant overflow is all going to the port side, moved from the starboard side, behind and under the drawers. This is the second worst part of the boat, (following shaft removal
), So I'm dedicated in fixing it now.
I'm in the process of removing every wire in the boat so I have things torn apart and the domino effect urge is strong.
Good luck with the survey. I have resisted the whole insurance issue beyond simple liability, assuming that is what you are dealing with.
