Battery placement help

[F2008]

'88 XB 2002.
I'm going to use the boat primarily for fishing, at least that's the plan now. :big grin
I'm thinking the cranking battery centered in front of the fuel tank with Bob's Machine jack plate pump on one side of that battery and the VRO oil tank on the other.

As much as I don't want to give up any storage room in the side compartments I'm thinking of putting one trolling motor battery in each side compartment. That placement seems to be the best for keeping the weight distributed properly. I need to keep the weight rearward, yes? What do you think?
Don

 

[Myron]

you can run just 2 batteries, one in each side, I did for years on my 02 fishing tournaments and never had a problem

 

[F2008]

A closer look and I see that the side compartments are where they are supposed to go. No trays or holes in the side compartments and the previous wiring went to the center with the fuel tank.

How much room, or how short for the tray screws so they don't come through the hull? I hate drilling holes without knowing the consequences.
Don