Today is another soggy day. One of those days when the solar panels do not generate any power to speak of for the batteries and the generator is needed. So, of course there are issues.

In a coincidence, a couple of days ago Jerry replaced the starboard side fuel sensor and gauge, a multi-step, two-day process. It'd gotten fried in the lightening strike. With a long passage in our near future, this project finally rose to the top of the list. While not without challenges, the project is a success.

Yesterday was also a rainy day and so in the afternoon Jerry starts the generator, only to have it quit within seconds without giving the usual diagnostic blinking lights. Again. And Again. Jerry checks the battery; it could be low so he charges it. Still no joy. He switches the fuel source to the port side fuel tank to test if the just completed project is a factor. Nope. He changes all fuel filters. Still no. By now it's dark and well after happy hour. He'll tackle it again tomorrow.

Which is today. Jerry double-checks the fuel sensor installation; all good. The battery is fully charged. The raw water boost pump is working, so that's not the problem. It acts like a fuel problem but just to make sure it isn't a lightening strike electronics issue, he calls Cummins technical support; they confirm it sounds like a fuel problem. He replaces the generator fuel pump. Still no joy. To test that the generator is getting clean fuel, we need a jerry can with clean diesel. So in between downpours, we dinghy over to the dock and walk to the fuel station that's a bit more than half mile away. We need just one full diesel jerry can but we'll need to get a taxi back anyway so we fill up all four. Back on-board: with a hose from a jerry can to the new filter and fuel pump, the generator is getting clean fuel. Even that makes no difference, the usually reliable generator just will not run more than a few seconds. Stumped, Jerry says we need diesel mechanic to help troubleshoot the problem. That likely means a move back to Fantasy Island Marina, where we know of a diesel mechanic others have used, and to connect to shore power to charge the batteries. We'll make that decision tomorrow.

Tonight we run the engines to charge the batteries. We're pleased to see the new Balmar chargers work great.