Faultsearch of the 2-Kyocera 125W solarpanels revealed a corroded connection and once replaced the panels were up charging 3-4 amps at noon (clear skies and winterday) which was good news and much cheaper than total replacement. I also learned to know that the recommended mechanic in Malta also found the old 2-stroke Tohatsu beyond repair (on the contrary to the mechanic in Crete he found no compression) meaning search for a 10Hp replacement. After some days of searching the second hand market in Malta I found a 3 year old Yamaha on Facebook but never managed to get in contact with the seller. Subsequently it ended with a brand new Tohatsu 9.8Hp,4-stroke.

I never had a brand new outboard before and never a 4-stroke. The pros I understand is an engine consuming less fuel,producing less pollution,and with a longer lifespan. The cons are a heavier engine with less power, and more complicated technology meaning higher operating costs.

Tomorrow at midnight Mercedes and Bianca are landing with Air Malta from Madrid. That means the end of three weeks of hard work and loneliness and the onset of new adventures and "playing pellota"