Trolling motor battery locations

[bobo4030]

I just ordered an Alumacraft Classic tiller (instead of the Lunker) with a 60 Merc 4 stroke (instead of the Yamaha). I'm in the process of gathering the riggings. I'm going to bow-mount a 24 volt Minn Kota Terrova 80. For now, I won't be mounting a transom electric. Using feedback on WC, I've decided on a NOCO GEN3 on-board charger.
My question is where best to mount the trolling motor batteries-bow or stern? Weight distribution is the key issue here-I suppose. Having 2 trolling batteries at the bow might help to offset the added bulk of the 4 stroke motor and my fat *** sitting right in front of it at the tiller. But, when running down the lake in a camp boat with a 15 hp Honda 4 stroke,we added about 3/4 mph by moving the single passenger as far back as possible. I'm confused.
Having all 3 batteries together will make placement of the on-board charger easier, but a simple cable extension would put them all within reach of the charger. That's a non-issue for me. I know I can move gear around to get the last little bit of speed, but 100 lbs of batteries is a lot of weight. Just trying to do it right the first time.

Thanks, Rick

[Burr]

While you may gain a bit of speed by putting all batteries in the back of the boat, you may be able to hold your bow down in the water when it gets rough out there so you can smooth out your ride.

It's kind of a trade-off deal.

Ride, speed? I'd hook it up where the battery storage works out best.

[bobo4030]

Sound advice. Thanks, Burr

[Hot Runr Guy]

If you tend to fish alone, I'd put them in the bow. I've had some underwear-soiling experiences of running tillers with the bow up high, and having a cross-wind change my course. Also, less voltage loss to the TM with shorter runs of wire.

Heck, you can always move them later.

HRG

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

I would start with them up front and see how it works. Adjust as needed.