I did the same thing Tim. A new 19' Sea Nymph fish & ski, new to salmon fishing out of the Salmon River. My wife & I went out in 4 foot seas coming from shore while boats were coming in. Got about a mile out, rigged up and turned into them and started taking water over the bow and running to the back of the boat while the waves got bigger.
I'll never forget it. My wife was crying for her mother. Was I scared, heel yea I was.
That was the day I gained a huge amount of respect for Mother O.
I don't care what size boat you have, when its time to come in, don't mess with Mother O.