SM,
I could see how that would be beneficial. Got any pics? Do you miss the under-settee storage? My mahogany paneling extends to just below the seat back of the settee on the port wall under the windows. Below that I think it's just unfinished, epoxied plywood.
When I got my 34 LRC, I found the rectangular table was interfering with settee access. I replaced it with two 22-inch round tables (plus a cockpit table mount) which gives me better flexibility for table placement and people movement.
Both of my hatches open from the salon sole but my simpler jobs are accomplished through the fwd ER door. When it comes time for bigger jobs like oil change and impeller replacement, I prefer to lift the hatches. My port coolant cap is only accessible from inside the under-settee cabinet. There's a small access door there to check or add coolant.