dude,

small boat, big water, yeah, it can be scary. my suggestion is to get real familiar with your vessel on a lake. dont go to the beach yet. the ocean will put fear and pain in the most experienced. you should do a practice capsize. the wife is probably scared of turning over because she (and you) will not know what to do. i do this at least once a year just to be sure i can right her myself. just throw a anchor near shore in a couple three feet of water. use a life jacket at the tip of the mast to keep it from plowing the bottom up. use those righting lines and lean out. show her how easy it is. or what great exercise it is! and on those hot days, this is your opportunity to get wet and cool off. capsizing is really not a big deal. and should be expexted. especially when pushing the limits of your boat.