Our stay at the Manatee was a special time. Our family of four (2 adults/2 teens) spent 3 days aboard the Manatee as our "mother ship" for adventuring in Everglades National Wildlife Refuge. 2 more adult family members joined us for one of the three days/nights, and there was plenty of room. We brought along our skiff and were able to just tie it behind the houseboat for easy access to fun days on the water. We enjoyed sunsets and sunrises from the boat with ease. Although we did not see dolphins from the boat (we did see them out while adventuring), we did see a shark (maybe a lemon or nurse shark), plenty of upside down jellies, and were excited to witness the bioluminescent mating ritual of the Bermuda Fireworm - which was incredibly cool! Prior reviews were accurate that 1) this boat is perhaps a little too well loved/dated, and 2) upper deck rooms are warmer than lower deck rooms. BUT - it was cozy, clean and comfortable and did not hinder any fun or stop any of our plans. There is plenty of A/C, it's just that the sun warms the master first, etc. I do NOT like to be hot, and the little clip on fans we brought were plenty to get the cooler air up to the bed area and we slept just fine. There was a toilet issue that started the day we arrived, some blockage due to something previous guests likely tried to flush. Mike and Ed both were VERY responsive, and when they were not able to resolve the issue, we were given the option to move to another boat. We would definitely stay at this marina again, but would likely try for one of the newer boats if available.