12/8/00 - The Phantom Documentary Part 2 of 2 Welcome to Part 2 our documentary series on the Phantom! Cousin Gene's Phantom is powered by two (yes, TWO) gas guzzling 502 block, 415 horsepower engines. Recently Gene added $1700 blueprinted propellers by the Mercruiser Race Team, these prop's give an extra 5 to 10 mph to the top cruising speed. Now for some interesting stats: Maximum speed of Gene's Phantom = almost 80 mph Maximum speed of Gene's Sea Ray = 34 mph Maximum speed of Carnival Cruise Ship = 28 mph Speed at which you can't hear music playing = 40 mph Speed at which your hair hurts when it whips back and forth against your head = 65 mph Amount of time it takes to fill gas tank 3/4 full = approximately 13 minutes Time it takes to lower the Phantom into the water = approximately 8 minutes Time it takes to raise the Phantom out of the water = approximately 8 minutes Size of our RV Gas Tank = 75 Gallons Size of Phantom Gas Tank = 140 Gallons Estimated times to refill Phantom gas tank for trip to Mexico = 50 Estimated load during travel on a typical automobile engine = 30% Estimated load during travel on a typical boat engine = 70% Under the bow of the Phantom is a full size bed (with air conditioning and heat!), and two benches. Contrary to what one might think, there is a quite a bit of room under there!
Mr. Pelican greeted us to his gas station...	A view off of the stern during our gas fill-up...	While we waited for the gas tank to fill up, Mr. Pelican was curious to see exactly who we were, and whether we came in peace...
He came right up to the boat! He must have liked us!	The Coast Guard went by...	...and Mr. Pelican asked us to tell them to SLOW DOWN -- it was a no wake zone, and they were generating quite a bit of wake. :(
A few minutes later, and we are on our way! We are entering the Gulf of Mexico through John's Pass which is a mile or so north of Treasure Island, and about a couple miles south of Gene's place.	Quite a few birds are watching us. Gene says there is good shopping around John's pass.	As we were exiting the intercoastal, the drawbridge started going up...
A couple of seconds later, we are a mile out *grin*, and the bridge is all the way up.	Captain Gene says "Welcome to the Gulf of Mexico! Our cruising speed will be near 80 mph, please sit down and extinguish all cigarettes."	It's very difficult to take pictures at almost 80 mph, however, the GPS is showing 74.1 mph in this picture.
Notice Charly's hairline receding by the inch due to the shear force applied to it...	Tara is ducking down to avoid windburn...	Captain Gene is doing his best to imitate Mayor May Who's hair style from the hit movie, The Grinch :)
A look to the north in the Gulf of Mexico.	A look to the southeast.	A look to the northeast.
Cruising in the Gulf at about 35 mph.	Another patented 'Background For Windows, by Charly', cool wake pattern...	And we made it to Clearwater Pass!
Position and direction of us as we entered the intercoastal. Look for the little green boat in the middle on the left.	Cousin Gene says this is the place to party on weekends -- live band, about 200 boats anchored off the shore, and more!	People out on the beach -- on December 8th... :) Did we mention its December 8th??
Tara checks out the people partyin' on the beach...	A look under the bridge at Clearwater Pass, since its so high, it doesn't need a drawbridge.	Uh, what are they doing?
Diamonds on the water...	Clearwater Pass bridge...	Traveling south down the intercoastal.
A house on the intercoastal, in Belleair. Estimated cost = over 2 million.	Another cool house...	A party house, check out the 2nd level outside deck!
Cousin Gene's friend, Bob Beach's boat.	Another view of the party house!	Cool staircase! Belleair rules!
When cruising at high speed, your face automatically assumes a position that assures your facial skin doesn't flap in the 80mph wind... Here's mine ;)	The wonders of today's technology - both Tara and Gene are on the phone in the middle of the intercoastal.	Watch out for Manatee's!
Hamlins Landing - Brewmaster Steakhouse, on the right, half of the Tiki bar is visible. We partied there quite a bit.	Hamlins Landing - The second slip from the left is where Gene lived in his Sea Ray for 6 months when he moved to Florida back in 1995.	Gene's friends, Bob & Grace's home. They moved down from near Pontiac, Michigan around 1995 too!
Yes, this is Loni Anderson's home. Hulk Hogan lives near by, however, we didn't get a picture of his house.	Tara is amazed. :)	Cousin Gene is feeling manly after a hearty trip in the Gulf.
Water view of the Salt Rock Grill -- awesome place to hang out and eat.	More diamonds on the water!	Ah, total comfort in the Phantom...
Two floors on the water in Florida automatically means a value over half a million...	We are back! We made it! Captain Gene is pulling into the Phantom's Lair...	Gotta get it just right!
Captain Gene says " No Problemo!! "	Safe and sound, back at home...	The motor that raises the Phantom up out of the water, there is identical motor on the other side too.
The Captain exiting his ship! A BIG Thank You to Captain Gene for the awesome ride!	Melody (front) and Magnet (back) are happy to see us!	The Phantom arises out of the water...
	...with a simple press of the button!
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