I have a new C-36 MKII. It has a Maxwell 800 vertical anchor windlass. On the Great Lakes it is normally good practice to use chain for the first 30 or 40 feet for a boat this size and then use rope anchor rode. My question is what do you think is the best connection between the rope and the chain. A little background follows. In the past, without a windlass, I shackled a thimble on the anchor rode to the chain. However a chandlery has suggested spicing a 3 strand rope to the chain so that it can run right through the windlass which would simplify raising the anchor. I am concerned about the following: I tend to like braided anchor rode as it doesn't kink/snarl like 3 strand rope. I am suspicious of a stranded rope to chain splice. I think it would be quite subject to wear and more likely to fail suddenly compared to a thimble shackle connection. On the other hand, with a shakle connection, how hard is it to switch from the rope drum to the chain wheel on the Maxwell? (I am told they operate independently) Any other suggestions?