98 23 ft livewell mod

[thedog]

I have a 98 23 seacraft with a stock deck, the in deck livewell I never use and would like to remove it and put in a watertight hatch on the deck. for better access to the stern and for some below deck storage.

my question is this. if any one knows. is the livewell attached to the deck or hull in any way?
besides were it is around the hatch. can i cut it out without effecting the integrity of the deck itself,
would I have to resupport the deck with a crossbeam if the livewell is not there

I would love to get rid of the thing, I never use it and it fills with water when parked on a trailer. water comes in thru the lid. always have to pump it out when I go to use the boat.