[ScottM]

This boat had 8 passengers and were anchored up in 5-7 foot seas and 20-knot winds, plus their VHF didn't work. I realize 6 people went diving leaving 2 people aboard when it flipped, but those seas along with all the diving gear and other stuff they brought along most likely caused the problem.

1) Yes, the '80s 23's have an open splashwell with a fold-down gate. I guess you could say it makes water entry easier than the Potter hulls with the full height splashwell, but I don't think it "facilitates" water entry.

2) IMO, the cabin does NOT make it more prone to capsizing.

3) Capsizing is typically due to a boat being placed in a bad situation, whether it is overloaded with passengers and gear, or if it's anchored in a rip or high traffic area where waves can overtake the boat. In the 8 seasons my father has had his '82 23' Sceptre we have never once been in a situation where capsizing was a threat. Just use your head while you're out there, check all your thru-hull fittings frequently (inlcuding the plug), and don't put yourself in a bad situation.