You can limit the horizontal travelling of the counterweight falling down by getting it into a cone-shape.
Maybe run the system along the the length of the boat, with the line on the stern, reducing the line movement in the waves. On the bow , a few meters under the water the counter weight, again to reduce the rocking of the boat.
Your plate could also be small and cone shaped, decreasing drag during retrial.
Use big quality pulleys, because of the long line you need more weight and need to reduce the rope resistance.
As to distance, factors like waves, wind, current are important. I think 6m for a 100m depth is rather small. I think I heard recommendations of 1m / 10m of depth, so for a 100, a 10m beam.
You could transport the rig using for instance 3x 3m tube beams, assembly on location, have your boat and beam parallel to the current with a v-rope and water anchor and do 1 test run before you dive.
Be sure to test you setup thoroughly.
If your beam is to short a crash helmet could be needed.
Just my thoughts, I hope they make sense.