Hatch cover/battery issue

My 2nd post: our wooden hatch cover is warped and won't latch--image below shows the type of latch. (previous owner removed the cuddy and created the hatch door) We're trying to decide whether to reinstall the cubby and get a weather-appropriate battery box to keep battery in the cockpit or to find a new non-wood hatch cover and maybe a lighter battery.

Noticed older posts that say you need to make your own hatch cover--can't buy a suitably sized one. I'm guessing ours is a mod 2 since it...

Hatch cover/battery issue