In his article, "Boat Handling vs. Boat Design or Power Boats For Ultimate Conditions", Michael Kasten writes; "Stern design will have a big effect on safety with regard to taking on water astern (being pooped), therefore on safety. A modest counter stern with aft-raking transom is ideal for reserve buoyancy. Conversely a "sugar scoop" stern having a swim platform with an opening to the cockpit is usually the worst combination, even though it can be successful on racing sail boats where the tactic is often to outrun the seas or to more or less stay with them." I wondering if others agree or disagree with Michael and is so, what would you recommend as an alternative for boarding and dinghy access? Regards; Mike Schooley Designing "Portager" a transportable passagemaker