The backplate of the fridge is frosting this morning which is a good sign. Mid-morning we use Solita to tow our dinghy over to the outboard repair tienda then onward to town for a few groceries for today & tomorrow.

If the outboard is functional when we get it back we'll have an operational dinghy, but just barely. The dinghy itself is literally falling apart; transom has major cracks, the tubes hold air for half a day, the handles are falling off, the tube cover is ripped in several places.... she is not likely to last a cruising season. So we have two choices: purchase a dinghy similar with a console and continue to use the outboard for as long as it'll last (probably not much longer either) or sell the outboard and purchase a more standard dinghy and a new outboard. If we go the latter route we'd purchase a 2-stroke 15hp Yamaha, the ubiquitous dinghy outboard. We actually started with a standard setup while Vida Dulce was in charter, but after a few vacations on her we decided to upgrade to a dinghy that was more comfortable, like a mini-car, for our full-time cruising life. Over the years this decision has had positives and challenges; challenges primarily due to the Walker Bay design combined with the too heavy outboard we were sold as a package deal at a boat show. Live and learn. The things I like best about our current setup is the false floor which keeps everything dry, electric start, comfortable seating, ample under seat storage (gas tank, battery, anchor, life vest, binoculars, toolkit, and more), running lights for night time use, and that it's not tippy like many others. Some of those things, if not most, would go away with a standard setup however a lighter, more reliable dinghy & outboard setup may win the decision.

The afternoon has us super busy. Chris came back by to purchase the solar panels we just took off of the arch. He offered a reasonable amount for all 4. Good for us (getting them off Vida Dulce), good for him (he has one buyer lined up for 2 of them and will get a bit of commission) and good for the buyer(s) (excellent panels at a good price). Literally minutes later we learn our new solar panels have arrived in Frontaras. It takes 2 trips in Solita to get all 4 to Vida Dulce. Also delivered to Rita's is the freezer however not the outside wet bar beverage fridge. It got stuck in customs for some reason. Getting the freezer is its own town trip. Moving these heavy items from Rita's office to the lancha, getting them in the lancha while it's moving around with the swell, getting them back out and then onboard Vida Dulce is a lot of work! By day's end, shoulders and backs are sore.