Not having a Lewmar, but a Quick 500, this may not be applicable, but....
Since I single hand almost exclusively, I do not want to be up on the fore deck messing with the windlass. I have 70+ feet of chain, and 180 feet of 1/2 inch 3 strand nylon rode. I have had some slippage issues, getting the rode pulled back into the boat with the windlass, although very few times, it is not something I want to deal with; so in most cases, I have elected to anchor on the chain only. I find a spot that will give me about 5 feet of depth under the boat at low tide, and run the chain out to the last foot and set my anchor with a firm reverse. No problems, and the chain always responds to the gypsy.
I know there is plenty of room for 70 feet of chain. There is probably room for twice that much. I have considered going up to 100 feet, and considering the weight, would not go with more rode than maybe 150 feet. The longer chain does allow for a lower scope ratio, and still maintain a good set and the weight of the chain from the bottom to the bow provides a pretty reasonable buffer to counter the lack of "stretch" in a chain over the nylon rode. Most of the time I have no problem finding someplace where I can get into a "pocket" and anchor in 15 - 20 feet at high tide.
Of course YMMV. I'm thinking your rode is to small of a diameter, for the line to get a good grip, unless it is not getting down into the gypsy enough for the grips to contact it.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
