The idea that if a person gets in trouble, no
probs, I've got a lifeboat and epirb and someone will come bail my stupid
ass out of this crack doesn't always pan out.

Agreed.

The kids parents put her in this predicament with poor planning and
unsuitable equipment.

That's what I've been telling you all along!

Glad we agree on something!
I like old, heavy and relatively slow boats. My favorite was a 1963 Chris
Craft Caribbean, 35' and 16k lbs. Rock solid and bulletproof.