Jay,

I take issue with a couple things you have said.

With a furler, the 175 genny is safe, stable and easy to use single handed
in all conditions.

The flared hull not only helps to keep the cockpit dry, it contributes to
the "no capsize guarantee" of the R22 while underway.  What are these
stories of capsizing?

Also, with the model you have, you should have  3 cockpit drain holes: one
in the self-bailing well and one at the stern end of each bench.

Enclosing the cockpit benches would reduce the volume of water the cockpit
holds, sending the extra water into the cabin instead of under the benches.

If you're surfing and getting swamped by waves over the stern, trail warps
or a sea anchor to slow down and maintain steerage.  But the real problem
here is you are sailing the boat in conditions too severe for its design.
It is not intended for open ocean sailing in severe conditions.

Rick