Want to get some input from more experienced folks.

I have an 18.5ft CC that has never had a trolling motor on it. No holes, no wiring, no charger, blank slate...

I have acquired a 12v 55lb thrust Motorguide saltwater bow mount TM that I plan to install. I want to do it right, and make it last for years to come with as few problems as possible.

I plan to eventually install a onboard charger to charge the cranking and TM batteries.

First question... I can put the battery in the front of the boat, or the rear. Up front will be a shorter run of heavy wire to TM, and take up less of my usable storage space. I realize it is rougher in the front of the boat. Would that matter? I have already proven that the extra weight up front won't be and issue.

Opinions?

If I had battery in the front of the boat for TM, would I need to tie the negative terminal to the negative of the cranking battery to prevent corrosion/electrolysis issues? (Motorguide says to do this in the manual) But I assume that is with batteries that are in close proximity to each other, not 15ft apart.

Second question.... What do ya'll recommend as far as charging the TM batteries? Just charge at home and run them dead? Run a line from alternator to charge when Evinrude is running? or install a DC/DC charger?

All guidance and experience welcomed!

If that is the best location then use it. I know of guides that have extra batteries in their rod lockers up front. I imagine their could be a longevity issue if it takes an excessive beating up front but I think you'd be fine.

Charge them at home and at the end of every trip. Waiting to charge will hurt then. The boat motor won't put out enough of a charge to charge them on the run. An onboard charger is the easiest way to go. They're already hooked up, just come home and plug in and forget

Like Bobby said. I prefer the weight up front for balance, be sure to use good battery boxes/tiedowns. #6 wire at least.

I have a 29 series battery up front for my xi5 on a 16' Jon boat and it can get pretty rough at times but I've had zero issues. Actually been running batteries up front for 20+ years zero problems.Btw agm and most marine batteries are built to withstand the rough ride.
On board charger is the way to go.

Ok, thank tall for the replies. I'm pretty sure I'm going to put the TM battery up front, and may go ahead and put it in a double battery tray for possible future additional battery if needed.

That will significantly reduce my wire length, and save a little headache.

Going to have to look into a dual bank charger. Can I set it up to charge batteries in both front and rear? Or is that too long of a wire run?

My MK 210 is mounted on the ribs on the side wall and feeds the front tm and the starting battery behind the rear seat. Really depends on where the charger is mounted but the leads can be extended.