Group was fishing, and wanted to get back before dark.  Motor was having starter issues, ie. bendix was hanging up when the motor started.  Operator started the motor, removed cowl, fixed starter, left cowl off, waves were hitting the motor so operator tried to replace the cowl.  Motor took a wave and died with the rear of the boat facing the waves, water began to overtake the boat and the motor would not restart.  Water soon filled the boat and the rear of the boat including motor went under.  Female was in PFD, two male occupants put PFDs on and the front of the boat went up in the air, about four foot of the bow sticking above the waters surface.  Occupants were left in the water and waves carried the boat away.
Onalaska                      