Manitou Aurora User manual

Dear Manitou Owner,
You have likely spent a great deal of time researching your many choices
in the boating market, and so we are especially honored by your
selection. Because our boats are unequaled in both quality and style, you,
like many other boaters, have chosen Manitou, and we would like to
thank you for that choice.
In order to lengthen the life of your boat, proper use and care are
required. Please take the time to review the information provided in this
manual and in the accompanying National Marine Manufacturers
Association (NMMA) Pontoon/Deck Style Boats Owner’s Manual. You
will find operating, cleaning, and maintenance tips, as well as guidance
on boating safety and water rules. This information is vital to your own
safety and that of your passengers. Please read it carefully.
At Manitou we take pride in building the safest pontoon boats in the
industry. Please take the time to notice your boat’s extra safety features.
You will agree that your family’s carefree boating experience is our top
priority. You bought a pontoon boat for family fun, and Manitou’s
quality will give you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy your time
spent boating for years to come.
Shortly after your warranty registration is received by the factory, you
will receive a Manitou customer satisfaction survey. We want to hear
from you! If you do not receive this survey, please contact Manitou at
800-999-9788 or by email at [e-mail].
Thanks again for choosing Manitou.
Sincerely,
S. Scott VanWagenen
President
Manitou Pontoon Boats

© 2018 Manitou Pontoon Boats
Contents
Contents
Important Safety Information ................................................................. 1
Introduction ........................................................................................... 2
About This Manual ............................................................................ 2
Before Your First Outing .................................................................... 2
Working Together .............................................................................. 3
Ownership ............................................................................................ 5
Intended Use ..................................................................................... 5
Owner’s Packet ................................................................................. 5
Warranty Procedures ........................................................................ 6
Boat Identification .............................................................................. 6
State or Provincial Registration .......................................................... 7
Insurance .......................................................................................... 7
Trash Disposal .................................................................................. 7
Sanitary Waste Disposal ................................................................... 8
Safety ................................................................................................... 9
Safe Boating Practices ...................................................................... 9
Safe Operation .................................................................................10
Swimming Safety .............................................................................11
Water Skiing Safety ..........................................................................12
Safety Labels ...................................................................................13
Required Safety Equipment ..............................................................17
Other Safety Considerations .............................................................18
Operating Your Manitou .......................................................................21
Fuel..................................................................................................21
Fueling .............................................................................................21
Launching Your Boat ........................................................................22
Boat Capacity Information ................................................................23
Boarding ..........................................................................................24
Stowing Onboard Gear .....................................................................24
Weight Distribution ...........................................................................25
Steering ...........................................................................................25
Navigation and Right-of-Way Rules ..................................................26

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Contents
© 2018 Manitou Pontoon Boats
Boat Speed ......................................................................................26
Trimming ..........................................................................................27
Docking ............................................................................................27
Loading and Trailering Your Boat .....................................................27
Storing Your Boat .............................................................................31
Blocking ...........................................................................................32
Electrical Equipment ............................................................................34
Electrical Wiring System ...................................................................34
Batteries ...........................................................................................34
Lights ...............................................................................................35
Switches ..........................................................................................36
Instrument Panel ..............................................................................37
Controls ...............................................................................................53
Steering System ...............................................................................53
Optional Joy Stick Steering ...............................................................54
Optional Dual Engine Controls ..........................................................54
Shift and Throttle Control System .....................................................55
Other Components ...............................................................................57
Livewell ............................................................................................57
Sport Arch ........................................................................................57
Ladders ............................................................................................58
Cleaning Your Manitou .........................................................................61
Flooring ............................................................................................61
Fabric Tops and Covers ...................................................................63
Snaps and Zippers ...........................................................................64
Vinyl-Coated Fabrics ........................................................................65
Exterior Surface and Graphics Care .................................................66
Maintaining Your Manitou .....................................................................68
Corrosion .........................................................................................68
Aluminum Surfaces ..........................................................................69
Battery and Electrical Care ...............................................................69
Warranty ..............................................................................................70
Index....................................................................................................74

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Important Safety Information
You must understand all of the safety statements shown on your boat and
in this manual. Important safety-related information is highlighted in this
manual using the designations shown below. You should understand all
such designations prior to operating your Manitou.
DANGER
The DANGER designation indicates an imminently
hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury. The use of this signal
word is limited to the most extreme situations.
WARNING
The WARNING designation indicates a potentially
hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
The CAUTION designation indicates a potentially
hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury or property damage. It
may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices.
You are likely to encounter a variety of situations beyond those listed in
this manual that require safe practices. Be ready, and make safety a first
priority at all times!

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© 2018 Manitou Pontoon Boats
Introduction
Congratulations! As the owner of a Manitou pontoon boat, you can look
forward to enjoying the water with family and friends for years to come.
Not only have you purchased the highest quality pontoon boat on the
market, but you have also bought the peace of mind that comes from
knowing that Manitou stands behind each and every boat it sells. Should
you encounter a problem, Manitou will work with your dealer to fix it
quickly, so that you can get back to boating.
About This Manual
This manual is part of your boat’s equipment, and provides information
for basic boating excursions. Make sure to have it on board at all times.
Remember that all boaters are responsible for their own safety and the
safety of the people around them. Even though you may be an
experienced boater, you can still learn from this manual. Note, however,
that this manual does not change or alter any of the manufacturer’s
specifications, operations, or maintenance manuals. It is a reference
guide to help you make the most of your boating experience.
Before Your First Outing
Before you take your Manitou out on the water for its maiden voyage,
please take the time to get to know your new boat. Start with the
following steps:
< Take a look through your owner’s packet and become familiar with
the information found there.
< Read this manual, taking special note of safety warnings and other
critical information.
< Familiarize yourself with the safety labels throughout your boat.
Understand their meaning, and be ready to point them out to
passengers.
< Review the NMMA Pontoon/Deck Style Boats Owner’s Manual,
included in your owner’s packet.
< Require any other individual who may be operating your boat to read
and review this manual and all materials in your owner’s packet.

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Next, before you take your Manitou out for the first time, become
familiar with the boat itself. The following steps are very important:
< Sit in the captain’s chair and make sure you know what buttons and
switches control various features.
< Familiarize yourself with how to read each gauge on your boat’s
control panel.
< Take note of your boat’s width and length.
< Ensure that any other individual who may be operating your boat has
also completed these steps.
Finally, remember that you are responsible at all times for ensuring the
safety of your boat’s passengers and that of other waterway users.
Practice courteous and responsible boating each time you enjoy your
Manitou!
Working Together
Successful boat ownership is built on teamwork. The manufacturer,
dealer, and boat owner each have a role to play in the goal of ensuring
the best possible on-the-water experience for years to come. Each role
carries its own responsibilities, which can be described as follows.
Manufacturer’s Role
We hold ourselves to rigorous manufacturing standards throughout the
process of building of each Manitou. To ensure the highest quality, we
perform rigorous inspections and testing.
Dealer’s Role
Your dealer has a responsibility to inspect and approve your Manitou
before delivery. Upon completion of the sale of a Manitou boat to you,
your dealer should also complete the following steps:
< Register your boat with Manitou as a sold unit.
< Ensure your understanding of important precautions required for the
safe use of your Manitou.
< Provide you with an orientation to the general operation of your
Manitou.
< Furnish you with a complete owner’s packet that includes all of the
manuals and information regarding your new Manitou and any other
components related to your purchase.

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© 2018 Manitou Pontoon Boats
Owner’s Role
Owner responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
< Examine the boat and confirm that all systems are working properly
before you accept delivery.
< Review in detail all manuals, literature, and instructions enclosed in
the owner’s packet, and use all equipment in accordance with those
instructions.
< Read and understand the Manitou limited product warranty provided
in this manual.
< Operate all equipment in accordance with the manufacturers’
instructions.
< Render proper maintenance and periodic servicing to the boat, motor,
and components in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements
and recommendations.
< Clean and maintain your boat on a regular schedule.
< Learn and obey all local, state, provincial, and federal laws
pertaining to the use and transport of your boat.
< Insure your boat.
< Complete and pass a boating safety course.
< Read and obey all safety labels on your boat.
< Make safety your first priority at all times.

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Ownership
Intended Use
Pontoon boats are designed for boating on inland waterways, rivers,
lakes, and bays only. It is important to understand that dangerous
situations that can arise from the misuse of your Manitou.
Dangerous situations include those in which swells and high waves may
damage your pontoon, cause an operator to lose control of the boat, and
put passengers in harm’s way. As such, all Great Lakes and ocean use
should be strictly avoided.
WARNING
High waves coming over the bow of your Manitou
are dangerous and may damage or dent wall skins.
Owner’s Packet
Your owner’s packet provides a variety of useful information sources. It
includes the following:
< This owner’s manual, including warranty information
< Pontoon/Deck Style Boats Owner’s Manual, a publication of the
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
< Critical safety information from the United States Coast Guard
(USCG) and NMMA
< Care and cleaning information for your boat’s surfaces and materials
< Manuals and information about the operation of your Manitou
WARNING
Do not use your Manitou to pull a parasail, kite,
glider, or any other device that may become
airborne.

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© 2018 Manitou Pontoon Boats
Your boat dealer may also include information about other components
in the owner’s packet.
In sum, the materials in your owner’s packet provide operation, service,
specifications, maintenance, warranty, and other helpful information. It is
important to read and understand all of the material contained in your
owner’s packet prior to operating your boat.
Warranty Procedures
Please read the Manitou warranty coverage so that you know what is
covered under its terms. The full document is located in the last section
of this manual.
You are required to obtain warranty work through an authorized Manitou
dealer, preferably the dealer from which you purchased your Manitou.
The dealer is your first contact for warranty issues, and will be best
suited to respond to any issues that may arise with your pontoon boat.
Boat Identification
A permanent record of your boat is maintained by Manitou Pontoon
Boats. Tracked using your boat’s Hull Identification Number (HIN), this
record includes information on your boat’s equipment and accessories,
the name of the dealership from which you purchased it, and the date it
was shipped.
The HIN tag is attached to the riser on
the starboard side of the boat near the
stern. The HIN should also be listed
on your registration.
To ensure a quick response when you contact your dealer regarding
warranty or other work for your Manitou, please provide the HIN, the
model length, and the color of your boat. Not providing this information
may unnecessarily delay the claims process. For your future
convenience, we suggest that you note this information in the table
below.
HIN tag location

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HIN
Model
Length
Color
State or Provincial Registration
All watercraft must display registration numbers on the starboard and
port sides of the vessel. Your boat must be registered in its main state or
province of usage. Registration numbers and validation stickers must be
displayed according to your state or provincial laws and regulations.
Insurance
As a boat owner, you are legally responsible for any damages or injuries
caused by your boat. In the majority of states and provinces, this holds
true even if a person other than the owner is operating the boat when an
accident occurs. Just as you do for your home and automobile, you
should carry adequate personal liability and property damage insurance
on your boat. Protect your investment by also insuring your boat, motor,
and trailer against physical damage or theft. Contact your insurance
agent for coverage information.
Trash Disposal
It is important to act responsibly to keep our lakes and waterways clean.
Plastic refuse dumped in the water is known to kill fish and other marine
wildlife, and may also cause damage to boat propellers and water
intakes. Some forms of waterborne garbage litter beaches and cause
infection and illness. USCG regulations prohibit the dumping of plastic
refuse or other garbage mixed with plastics anywhere in the water.
Dumping of other forms of trash in the water within specified distances
from shore is also prohibited.

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© 2018 Manitou Pontoon Boats
Sanitary Waste Disposal
You are responsible for obeying all local laws concerning sanitary waste
disposal. If your boat has a marine toilet or other sanitary device, contact
the USCG, local marina, or your dealer for information regarding proper
disposal of sanitary waste. Under no circumstances should such waste be
dumped into the water.

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Safety
As the owner of the boat, it is your responsibility to be a safe boater, to
follow and enforce safety rules, to know and adhere to the rules of the
water, and to use common sense at all times. It is important that anyone
to whom you entrust your boat also understands these responsibilities.
Make sure you understand each of the safety warnings found on your
boat and commit to following the safe boating recommendations found in
this section.
Then, before you embark on any outing, check that all safety equipment
is on board and in working condition. This includes one wearable
personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board, and all other
USCG-required safety equipment. Confirm that each passenger aboard
the boat is aware of the location of these items. Learn more about these
requirements by reading the USCG publication titled A Boater’s Guide to
the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats and Safety Tips,
available at www.uscgboating.org.
Safe Boating Practices
Boating safety is a serious issue. You are responsible for your own
safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of fellow waterway
users. The following are some basic safe boating recommendations that
must be observed:
< Never operate the boat, or allow others to operate the boat, while
under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is a federal offense and
can carry a significant penalty.
< Keep your boat and its equipment in a safe and usable condition.
Regularly inspect the boat, engine, and safety equipment for any
signs of damage or disrepair.
< Ensure that a throwable flotation device and a fire extinguisher are
on your boat at all times. This equipment must meet regulation
standards, be easily accessed, and be maintained in working
condition.
< Check weather and water conditions before shoving off. Be prepared
for sudden changes in the boating environment, and for cooler or
warmer conditions than originally anticipated.

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< In case of an emergency involving the primary operator, confirm that
at least one other person on board the boat knows the basic and safe
operations of the boat.
< Never allow an inexperienced person to operate your boat.
< Become familiar with local, state, and provincial boating laws and
regulations. Observe them at all times.
< It is strongly recommended that you complete and pass a boating
safety class.
WARNING
Intoxication and boating do NOT mix! Never
operate your boat while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
CAUTION
Read, follow, and understand all safety labels on
your boat.
Safe Operation
“Safe operation” means that neither you nor your passengers misuse the
boat, but instead make a practice of applying good judgment at all times.
In addition to any applicable safety laws, recommendations, or
procedures, establish the habit of following general safe-operation
guidelines:
< Load your boat according to the limits set on the capacity tag. Do not
overload your boat. Evenly distribute the load from bow to stern, and
ensure that the weight on your boat is evenly distributed at all times.
Reduce the load if weather conditions include high winds, rough
seas, fog, storm warnings, or small craft advisories.
< Direct all passengers to remain seated while the boat is under power.
While the boat is moving, boat passengers should remain clear of
any areas that are not designated for seating, including the bow,
transom, railings, sundeck pad, and furniture backrests. If a swivel
fishing seat is present on your boat, it should not be used for seating
if the boat is traveling faster than five miles per hour.

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< Keep all boat gates closed while the boat is under power in order to
prevent falls overboard and injuries.
< Maintain your speed at or below the posted speed limit. Avoid
excessive speeds, especially close to shore.
< Learn and follow the rules of navigation. Ensure that all boat drivers
are familiar with these rules.
< Know the maximum horsepower capacity rating on the certification
plate of your motor and do not exceed it. Exceeding the horsepower
capacity of your boat and motor can lead to serious conditions that
may result in accidents or injuries.
< Become familiar with the length of time it takes to stop your boat
from various speed levels. Remember that, unlike a car, a boat does
not have brakes.
< Confirm that the engine is off and the propeller is completely
stopped before allowing anyone to enter the water.
< Use a boat hook or other suitable device to protect your boat while
docking. Never use your hands or feet to control your boat’s
movement toward the dock. Your boat’s weight and forward
momentum could cause serious injury to a limb that becomes caught
between the boat and a dock.
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum horsepower or weight
capacity of your boat.
Swimming Safety
When swimming from your boat, the following basic safe swimming
recommendations must be observed:
< Anchor the boat and shut off the motor before anyone enters the
water.
< Swim in the presence of others. Never swim alone.
< Swim on the shore side of the boat, away from other boat traffic.
< Designate a person on the boat to observe swimmers at all times.
< Use the ladder to enter the water for your safety. Unknown water
depths and other variables make ladder entry the safest method.
< Use a ladder or other safe means of reboarding.

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< Swimmers must not use the pontoon tubes to enter or leave the
water.
DANGER
Never allow swimmers or water skiers to enter or
exit the boat with the engine running or the
propeller moving. Never back up your boat to
reach a person in the water.
DANGER
Never dive from any part of the boat. Water depths
can be unpredictable, and serious injuries or
death can occur from diving into shallow water.
WARNING
Children must be under adult supervision at all
times, both in the water and on the boat.
WARNING
Swimming can be hazardous. Follow all safety
rules.
Water Skiing Safety
Water skiing poses several hazards in addition to those discussed under
the “Swimming Safety” section. The following basic safe water skiing
rules must be observed.
< The ski tow bar is rated for a maximum of 300 pounds. Do not pull
multiple towables; pull only one towable at a time.
< Start the engine only when the skier is a safe distance from the boat.
< Accelerate the boat slowly forward until the rope is taut.
< Before applying the throttle, check for traffic ahead.
< Follow the skier’s signals to set the optimum speed for the skier.

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< Designate a passenger, other than the boat’s driver, to act as spotter.
The spotter should watch the skier and inform the driver when the
skier is down.
< When the skier goes down, look for his or her “OK” signal.
< Approach the downed skier on the starboard side only. Stop the
motor once you are close.
< Always be aware of shallow water and obstructions.
< Do not ski after dark.
< Do not ski near swimmers or in crowded boat traffic. Keep away
from fishermen.
WARNING
Keep a downed skier in sight at all times.
CAUTION
Designate a passenger to act as a spotter. The
driver must not also act as a spotter.
WARNING
All water skiers are required to wear a USCG-
approved PFD at all times.
For more information on water skiing safety, visit www.boatus.org.
Safety Labels
The safety labels present on your Manitou serve as reminders of
important safety considerations. Following are the labels commonly
found on Manitou boats. Note their locations on your own boat, read
them carefully, and follow their directives. Ask passengers to do the
same.

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