I've fished the "poor mans drift boat" many times. The post about the swivel and leader are right on. As far as distance from planer to plug goes it depends on the size plug you are using. With a #20-25 hot shot go with 4 times the water depth. With 30-35 shots go with 6 times the depth.
Have'nt tried a kwikfish yet but I would think the smaller sizes 11-13 should work ok. Good luck