A shallow lake and wheels would probably cure the problem....
Seriously, the distribution of ballast will affect the steering characteristics although, as has been pointed out, it is by no means the only, or even the most predominant influence, depending on the type of hull and the position of the power source. No keel means that a boat is likely to "skid" in the turn. A long keel boat will tend to steer a straight line ahead but be a pig to steer in reverse. A central keel will make the boat more sensitive, possibly excessively so, so you have to apply constant helm corrections. As far as weight is concerned it's best to either concentrate it amidships or more or less equally along the length of the hull. If it's at the ends, which would be pretty unusual, then it would adversely affect steering. A balanced or semi balanced rudder is usually better than the pintle hung variety and of course, if it is directly in the propwash then steering will be much more positive. My previous full size yacht had the outboard slung on the transom alongside the rudder which meant that you had no control until the boat was making appreciable headway either forward or astern which could make things difficult at times. My present boat has the outboard in a well just forward of the rudder which makes it much more responsive. You do however have to watch for the stern coming out as the boat turns as she pivots around two thirds of her length from the bow. It's all too easy to be watching what the front end is doing without realising that the stern is about to clout the boat in the adjacent berth!
All this presupposes a flat calm. Introduce the effect of windage and it all gets even more complicated!