I have my canoe registered (per law) and the numbers are on the STERN.This sounds strange but read on.
The front seat is farther back and I solo most of the time (with the Motor).I run the boat backwards I sit on the front seat(aka canoe backwards)Motor behind me on a mount with pontoons.The battery is forward of me and the power wires alligator clipper on.ballances out fairly well.You can run forward with a long tiller handle PVC pipe and a hose clamp but I found that the reverse switch on mine a pain to figure how to use.
Dennis