This is absolutely true. Good quality natural latex mattress can be absolutely heavy, infact even compressed ones dont lose weight as its that dense. Infact it will be 5x times just normal foam mattresses.
Specifically on Eluthera visit (not by boat), it is a beautiful, laid back island sparse population. For boat rentals, they recommended local guides similar to reasons mentioned by Jim.
I agree as well, probably the rough ride of prior years is missing in the glossy eyes of todays kids.. not much misery seen so everything is expected to end well.
That aside, its still a sad story!