I've done my thinking and made up my mind, Roger, thank you and I
don't want to start THE discussion all over again, that's proven to be
utterly useless.
Thanks to all, including the people who responded via email, for some
pretty sound advice...
Len.

"Roger Long" wrote:

Flame thrower, made to be assembled out of innocuous looking plumbing
fittings, scuba gear, and generator gas. If threatened, retire below
appearing to be wounded or dead after the first few shots.

When they come along side, paint their boat from bow to stern with
jellied gasoline and pull away while they ponder what to do next.

Or, maybe a fast radio controlled model boat with a half dozen sticks
of dynamite. Easier to hide the dynamite than a gun.

Remember the power of surprise and doing the unexpected. I'm sure the
news about that encounter has spread more widely among the pirate
community than it has among ours. They'll be ready to deal with guns
by the time you get there.

Just kidding but, food for thought.