I've never used the 8 plait. I just got a little advice that as long as you're buying new rope, with a windlass, you'll be happier with the 8 plait. Doing a little reading on the topic seems to confirm that. Cost is definitely a consideration though. After looking for weeks for a good deal I found this place.
http://www.secosouth.com/SFNT.html
I'll be ordering from them soon.
Would a traffic cone or something similar help spread the line out in the anchor locker?