: The only thing I can think of is to make a recessed cockpit. Is there any
: problem with this fix? Will it significantly change how the boat handles?
: Any other ideas?

As Groucho Marx once said ( taken out of context, but what the heck):
"Except for the improvement, she'll never know the difference."

If you are not changing the hull shape the handling will not change. The slight reduction in deck surface will make a negligible improvement in strong winds (just a little less exposed surface area to act like a sail)

Go for it.

PGJ