We're getting our scenarios out of kilter
You suggested a SeaPiper would be in danger if, "...an overnight storm is moving in and you're just too far from shelter to escape it and you're forced to watch more seaworthy vessels weather the blow while you contemplate your chances for survival"...which made me think you were talking about vessels large enough to stay at sea to weather a storm.
Something I wouldn't want to do in any small boat!
Is 28' a "small boat" I've sailed my Cape Dory 28 to Bermuda and survived just fine. Seaworthiness is not a function of size but a complicated function of vessel design and proper seamanship. But of course this is not relevant to the current conversation so please disregard.