With a little work I was able to take mine out. I have also redone the platforms and coated 3/4 plywoiod with polyester resin. Not sure how yours is but I'm debating on a bigger tank because I have repositioned my batteries. Originally they were behind the tank which is a bitch to service. I have a pair of Trojans on the port side beside the tank. I moved the engine start battery to front of the laserette by the bulkhead. I also built a battery tray out of sheet PVC and added another pair of Trojans in the back of the quarter birth. If you don't want to get marine plywood or do standard plywood with polyester resin you may want to look at sheet PVC. Nothing will really hurt it