Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Griff- I only use the PFD's to better the view! :D

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Hard sell w/ modified "anything" -- ie: blowers. I was going to do it to my 525 38 T/S and EVERYONE told me not to do it.... glad I listened.

Might be better off pulling the blowers and refreshing the motors. I know someone that had to do that w/ their OL. Didn't take long to sell afterwards.

Joe

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Yes I agree that modified engines always add a dose of uncertainty to the buyer, although I have heard favorable reviews of the Vortech/500efi package.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Joe, I agree with your last statement. I was all over JBK's boat prior to him buying it and backed away due to the blowers and the unknown reliablilty of the package compared to a stock set up. Stock most always will have better resale value in my own opinion.

I hate breaking down !!

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I think Gary G's Gladiator with the Zul's is a sweet boat! At the NYC PR he showed me the GPS recall.... 111! :eek: :cool: :cool:

Boat is pristine!

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Gorgeous boat, not stock power= super tuff resale

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I guess it's all in what you're looking for. I've found that people with $$ don't worry as much about resale as much as those who don't. If I wanted a fast and beautiful Gladiator I'd get Garry's boat. :cool: If I wanted something stock I'd get one with 525's. :cool: If I were buying as an investment I'd think differently. :rolleyes:

There's the other side; Where a guy has a boat with gobs of power, runs the hell out of it and puts 500's in so it will sell. An unsuspecting buyer comes along thinking it's always had stock power, then the boat falls apart a year or two later cause it was abused so badly. I've seen it happen. :eek:

I don't see it as hurting resale as much as being marketable. The boat with the bigger power will comand a higher price (higher resale) but at the expense a smaller market share (longer sales cycle). :drink:

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

To me, the issue is not so much between stock mercs and big custom power. I would not hesitate to buy a boat with big custom power if the engines were built by a reputable builder and were intended from the start to make big power, ie. all components are appropriately chosen.

What scares me is when I see what is a bone stock motor with a bunch of bolt-on aftermarket parts. Then, all sorts of questions arise like who did the mounting, have the stock internals taken a beating, etc.

So, when I see 500s with Vortechs, I'm scared. When I see a Keith Eickert 675EFI, I'm fine with it. I may be wrong but that's just me...

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Bob, I never said it was worth "so much more..."

In my opinion, the staggered boat is more desirable...for the reasons mentioned above and thusly prices will reflect that. I remember the first Galdiator taht was built was a side by side boat and was for sale for a long time when they started building staggered versions.

As far as handling, I don't know...I've not been in the side by side boat, so I couldnt comment which is better. Perhaps you'll take me for a ride so I can better answer that question... :)

BTW,

How many staggered Gladiators are there?
How many side by side Gladiators are there?

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

ive seen the first one in person when it was new and was impressed, actually.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Some body please buy my Kryptonite so I can buy JBK's boat!

By the way, JBK, I saw your boat listed with Custom Marine Sales. Is it brokered or would they be willing to take a trade in :eureka:

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

as i said Gary's boat is gorgeous just not priced to sell, which is maybe why its been for sale for over a year and brokered by every dealer known to man. the boat should be taken down from every listing and re-advertised by 1 or 2 in diff markets in the spring...have been there b4 it over exposed

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I know man, I know. :(

I think it's at 175 though, or at least the last time I spoke with him it was. That's about 10k higher than some of the others listed here and a much nicer boat (in my opinion) with a ton more $$ in equipment, but it's a buyers market so if someone really wants to sell then they have to re-think pricing! :drink:

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

at that figure thats a different story, all the ads i've seen were between $199-$215...he's gotta get action at $175,000 unless his ads are stale...unlist and re-list TRUST ME IT WORKS

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

$175 OBO, have his number if someone wants to call direct. :drink:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-13008.html

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

the boat is magnificent without a doubt, Gary, Tommy and myself were talkin at the hot toddy last year. i love the boats, they just have more going against them then they do for them...such as limited market and horrible resale. just gotta find the right azz for the seat...C'MON TOM A STEP RIGHT UP !!! GOT 3 FOR YA HERE !! As a matter of fact wasnt ole steczy looking for 1 as well...THE TIME IS NOW !!!

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Both Gladiators seem like good deals. I couldn't live with the Conan the Barbarian comic book look of the first one.

But JBK's boat is not only a screaming deal, it's got nice paint too. I think that boat is the bargain Gladiator of the month!!!!!!!

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Gotcha. Ill take you for a ride anytime !!

I have no idea how many of each were built. Mine is unique as it is a side by side setup in the engine compartment but with a staggered cockpit arrangement.... smaller

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Limited market, yes. Horrible resale? I don,t think so.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Look at what a new glad cost and then compare it to a comprable 38 gun. Then look at the prices of say 2004's and figure out the loss% between the 2...bet ya the loss% is greater on the glad.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I will agree about resale not being as strong as the TopGun. However, it is comparable or better when compared to the competition.( OL,Fountain,Etc.)

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I saw this rig at the place where the picture was taken1 She is BEAUTIFUL!!
Now that I think of it, it was really clean, and you were up on the deck cleaning it! :drink: One bad ass ride. :cool:

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Well the ugliest/weirdest paint award in the OSO classified just got snatched away from the Gladiatior. The winner is now: http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-13515.html

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I dont even have to look and i can tell ya which one !!! Lil blue guy with spiked hair ?

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Gary G.'s Gladiator sold. I believe to someone in Miami. Thanks for the plug FF2. That would be me, always cleaning.

This one is way worse than the Gladiator.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-12855.html

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

How much difference? Which is best?

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I haven't seen or spoken to him since the summer, that's awesome!! :cool:

That thing could run!

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I am not sure of the exact measurement differences, but the narrow/ short cockpit looks the best. If you are a big guy and need the extra room, the wide cockpit gives you a little more elbow room. The narrow/ short cockpit makes the Gladiator "look like a little race boat" according to Philly.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

If you are referring to my boat, Carolina Racing worked w/ Bob Endress of Vortech to put my motors together specifically for the Vortech system. It has been a trouble free setup for me. A lot of it has to do with who set it up and how they set it up.

Chad

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

I am totally with you here. This is why I have one. Otis, Your's is really interesting. I am interested in the lack of side air intakes etc. I don't know the history, did you have it built?

Boy, I am suprised how anxious these sellers are.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

2112, do you have Ford's in that thing?

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

$485,000 for that thing is ridiculous. Not only is it only a 32 with 525's, the paint is not very diserable. They're out of there mind.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Yes :D and 18 months of having every single conceivable bracket, mount, clamp etc custom fabricated. This is my third Ford rigging job and definitely the most complicated, But that was my own doing. Lots of custom steering and closed cooling rigging too.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Ouch, Glad I wasn't dealing with that. :eek:

She sure is pretty though, my second favorite Gladiator ever.

The OSO Glad is my Fav............ :eek: :rolleyes:


A little butt kissin' goes far here....... :D

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Then I assume you like Otis' boat, Lots of similarities, I guessed (incorrectly) that his was the OSO boat.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Chad......sweet snap!!! Looking good player! :D :D :D

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Chad, looks like your mods were done professionally, by people who know their stuff. However, it's not always the case and that is what is sometimes scary. When you buy something that makes similar HP but in the shape of what is a "stock" motor in KE, Zul, etc. product lineup, there are simply fewer questions.

Not referring to your boat, just speaking in general that this is the way people react to mods and after-market parts. It does not mean it's justified all the time.

BTW, I'd have much easier time living with the blue hedgehog on my hullside than with a muscular guy with a pierced nipple on my engine hatch. But that's just me...

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Which Ford powerplants are you running ? Would love to see pics of the rigging if ya wouldnt mind. A buddy of mine always asks me why nobody uses Ford power and i didnt have an answer.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

Otis's boat was owned by a hockey team.

Re: 2003 gladiator seems like a helluva deal !!
 

here's another badazzz boat thats a helluva deal !!
http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-13519.html