Finally

[Pammy]

Wes found what he wanted and tomorrow we will be the new owners of a 2012 Manitou Aurora Lounger. 24' with Merc 150 4 stroke. It's located in Ft. Myers, which is about 115 miles (by land) from our house. We didn't buy a trailer, so we will be driving it home via waterway. Should be an adventure....

[Ron Burgundy]

Wow, congrats! Nice way to cristen the new 'toon. Winds should be virtuall non-existant tomorrow unless you run into a thunderstorm. Should make for a smooth ride. Hope you take some photos of your adventure.

[Pammy]

Not picking it up tomorrow. Wish we were. Having it fitted with the 150. The purchase will be finalized tomorrow, however. We work 6 days a week so we are hoping the weather will be perfect on Sunday. That's not too much to ask, is it?
Haven't made that trip in so many years and when we did, it was on a larger, much faster boat. I am excited about the trip.

[GregF]

That sounds like an interesting trip. You can run the inside a good part of the way but that stretch across the mouth of Tampa Bay from Terra Ceia to O'Neils could get exciting if the wind is blowing much at all.
You might be spending the night in Bradenton.

Boca Grande Pass can get exciting too. It will be good practice.

I guess you know how to run the inside up into the St Pete beaches where I assume you live.
I used to have a condo in Treasure Island and my parents lived there most of my life. Alas I was forced to live up north for many years to work.

[Just Laxin]

Congrats!!! I would be interested what prop you are running and how it performs,,,,,,,I'm always curious about that stuff. Is your new Manitou a tri-toon with lifting strakes? Ask your dealer if the alternator is making contact with the block, if it is then the alternator needs to be replaced, Mercury recall.

[ROLAND]

Pammy, congratulations on the new toon.... don't forget to post some pics when you get the chance.

[cwag911]

Congrats on the new toon! Have a safe trip up with the new boat.

[gramps]

Congrats on the new boat, Just Laxin is correct, there is a re-call on the alternators and yesterday when I went to Marine Max they didn't even know about it .
Your dealer can check it out in 2 minutes. The problem is that some alternators were touching the engine block and with a long days run the alternator can die and your stranded in the middle of the lake or wherever your at.

I will send you a PM in case you don't read this.

[redbeard]

Congrats on the new toon, have a great trip home with it.

[Pammy]

We have made the run in a torrential downpour (at night) and in other weather conditions, but I am sure that this trip will be more memorable. Kind of like the African Queen .

I am making a list of items we will need to have with us(along with Sea Tow) for the journey. Radio, extra battery, blankets,towels,ice, food, water, cell phones, camera, sun block, all of the regulation crap. Any other tips will be appreciated. Maybe there will be room for us. Ha Ha

This site has been invaluable for information and personal experience suggestions to help us make the choice on the boat and how to enjoy it to the fullest.

Wes already called about the alternator(thanks to you guys). I hope we can avoid the troubles that Gramps has had.

Fortunately we are a Motorcycle shop with full machine facilities and have the capabilities of handling at least minor (boat)motor issues without being beholding to unknown sources. Hopefully it won't come to that. We are trying to glean as much information from everyone elses experiences here to head off any trouble that may come our way. Thank you all for that.

It's a 2012 Manitou Aurora Lounger with some additional accoutrement: fresh water tank, double Bimini, VP, tritoon, of course, lifting strakes on all toons. It came with a 115/4 Merc. We are trading(not even ) that to a motor company to get the boat fitted with a 150.