The attached picture shows the batteries as they were in 2000. The ice box is to the left (forward) of the batteries.
I have not changed the location but have rebuilt the platform twice since then. The second rebuild made the shelf much stronger, and created a custom battery box made from 3/4 inch ply, glassed and then painted with acid proof paint on the inside. The box holds two Trojan T-1275 batteries, performing well after 6 years, including 5 living aboard. Future replacements will probably be both smaller and lighter.