is it a dumb idea to put my on-board charger up front in my bow?

I think it would be better for weight distribution, and I could utilize a recept that's already on the bow panel.

cabling isn't an issue as I will be making my own from #2 stranded copper.

any issues that I should be aware of?

On windy days, the ride is a lot rougher in the bow.  Electronic gizmos don't usually take kindly to being thumped around.

Either way you're going to have to run wires to the battery compartment, be it a power source to the charger, or the wires from the charger to the batteries.

You did not say what type of boat you have.  All the "bass boats", aluminum or fiberglass have the heavy items (batteries, fuel tank, live well, etc.) located toward the stern, behind the passengers.

Its an 18' Viper Cobra. 

Maybe its a bad idea.  Thanks Rhino.

What size trolling motor is it? WHat year is the boat? How many wires are already there that are hooked to the trolling motor plug. There are other ways to use that charger if you have the right wires already in the boat.

I put my onboard up front but I also moved both the trolling batteries to the front to help me get on plane better. My motor is a little underpowered. I have shortened the power cable which will allow for less loss in energy. The longer the wires the more power is lost through their travel to the motor. I have had no problems with rough conditions. I dont run through waves at 70Mph though either so dont hold me to it, rhino might be right. Id say ive have cruised in 2-3 ft waves occasionally and had no issues in 2 years. best of luck.

I was poking around the bow of my boat last nite and trying to do some planning. It seems like it'll be more trouble than it's worth. I'm gonna add one more battery in the future and upgrade to a MK 36 volt 101# TM. There's a perfect spot for the charger in between the batteries. It'll make installation a breeze.

The only down side will be that in order to get to the bilge and livewell pumps, I'll have to remove the charger. That might require some connectors that disconnect quickly.

I don't have any problems getting on plane.  When fully loaded, it takes a little more than two boat lengths to plane out at full throttle.