I have a 17 foot aluminum and run two electrics and almost always stack, using 4 lines and rods total it is very easy for me. I use offshore stacker releases. Now I'm going to Jinx myself! I rarely get tangles. It does happen though. Occasionally when we get a triple or the rare quad hookup, it can be crazy.
I stack as close as 5 feet and fish 2 lines as shallow as 5FT and then 10FT at times. I run the top line (shallow one) shorter than bottom, so when bottom hooks up it usually clears the top line. My standard set back is 30 feet on top line and 45 on bottom. I catch plenty of fish and have very few tangles. I catch lots of fish (kokanee) shallow and that 30 foot set back from the boat/ball does not seem to bother the fish. I find it easier to stack than run side planers, which I do on occasion. I have two and used to run right and left planers and four lines on downriggers when there are 3 angler in the boat. It seemed to me the catch rate was not that much better to bother with the planers. They sit in the box most of the time. Sometimes I use the for Wipers at Willard.
Just my two cents worth. Good luck, tight lines, few tangles and have fun !!
Mildog
I stack as close as 5 feet and fish 2 lines as shallow as 5FT and then 10FT at times. I run the top line (shallow one) shorter than bottom, so when bottom hooks up it usually clears the top line. My standard set back is 30 feet on top line and 45 on bottom. I catch plenty of fish and have very few tangles. I catch lots of fish (kokanee) shallow and that 30 foot set back from the boat/ball does not seem to bother the fish. I find it easier to stack than run side planers, which I do on occasion. I have two and used to run right and left planers and four lines on downriggers when there are 3 angler in the boat. It seemed to me the catch rate was not that much better to bother with the planers. They sit in the box most of the time. Sometimes I use the for Wipers at Willard.
Just my two cents worth. Good luck, tight lines, few tangles and have fun !!
Mildog
time spent fishing isn't deducted from ones life