Where should i locate the batteries in my electric 14' boat?

I bought an old 14' vhull type boat, and we live near the ocean in NJ, and there are a lot of bay areas we can fish in going no further than 1 or 2 miles from a ramp.

I plan to use 2x 4D size bateries to power 1500w of electric trolling motors.

The batteries combined weight 200lb

The front portion of the boat is covered over and there is a windsheild,, no person can fit underneath the bow aera covering, and it is only used for storage of small things like lifevests etc. I am considering locating the batteries here, but I hear that increasing weight in the front increases drag.

Is the increase in drag from excess frontal weight more of an issue when planing the boat from high power motors, or will a vhull induce signifigantly more drage at SLOW SPEEDS when you put more weight in the front?

Should there be a noticeable difference in speed if i put the batteries in the rear, as opposed to in the center of the boat? or under the nose