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Outboard mechanic and Weatherly are right. The batteries belong in one of the stern "pockets" located on either side of the motor well.
The batteries will last longer in the stern because the ride is best for them there, makes sense. I can build a deck over them.
Mechanic suggested that no one should stand so far back in the stern, anyhow. He said, the weight of a guy there would bring water over the ass-end.
The previous owner put a twenty gallon tank under the drivers seat. This seat looks like a newer model from a Montauk, perhaps.