T&T: Anchor Chain length

[Robert Pelton]

I have a 36' Albin Trawler (1979).
I bought a Light house windlass and 200' of 3/8 HT chain.
Even with full water tanks, my bow is somewhat low in the water.
I mostly gunkhole the Chesepeake bay, with an average anchorage of 10'
of water.
Should I cut the chain in half and stow half in the rear laz?  Is there
any reason that I can not add a shackle in the future if I want the
additional 100 foot (or, if we decide to cruise to deeper water)?

Thanks much for your input.

Bob