rear hatch lil guy 5wide

inside my rear hatch, or galley if you please, there is a "raise-up shelf"
it covers most of the area, except for about 8" so you can see down into
the cabin.
its made of really heavy material, I don't know what it is, but it is quite heavy
to lift up and hold, because there is nothing to hold it up and open.
I'm thinking its like 5/8" material
painted while.
I want to take this out and replace it with a 1/2" plywood 49' x 27 1/2"
and cover the whole opening.
that way, the whole galley area has a solid working area .
i think 1/2" plywood would be strong enough and less weight.
any ideas??
thanks
Phil
it covers most of the area, except for about 8" so you can see down into
the cabin.
its made of really heavy material, I don't know what it is, but it is quite heavy
to lift up and hold, because there is nothing to hold it up and open.
I'm thinking its like 5/8" material
painted while.
I want to take this out and replace it with a 1/2" plywood 49' x 27 1/2"
and cover the whole opening.
that way, the whole galley area has a solid working area .
i think 1/2" plywood would be strong enough and less weight.
any ideas??
thanks
Phil