Gladiator with Outboards: speeds?
 

Just curious, what kind of "perfect conditions" top speed do you think a 36' Gladiator with a pair of 450Rs would run?
4 sit down bolsters, and a back seat extending into the former bilge would be kind of cool.

I know, I know... outboards aren't for everyone. The 34-39 cats with twin outboards are doing so well though, I was just curious what a Gladiator would do.
80mph top end?


Attachment 577008

No idea on mph with 450's but there is room for trips if the budget allowed - lol.... obviously, your pondering has merit - Bolting O/B add to the value re: cig 42 Tiger with Trip Verado's
https://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/18053

On a serious note - Is the Glad with the 700 Brad Smith's in your pic?

I don't know what that boat has in it today, but maybe Brad Smith. It had ZZ572s in it at one time when Jeffrey Cheng owned it (which I personally thought was badass). The link from that old thread is below.
I've always liked that boat because of such. I think it was sold no power once.

IF I get another go-fast, I want as few as headaches as possible. I have other adrenaline hobbies how, so running a boat, I want cruising reliability. And I hate crawling in bilges.

https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...iator-572f.jpg

https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...ator-small.jpg


https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...gladiator.html

I think Tyson sold his Glad with no power to a couple of dudes in the Bahamas (or somewhere thereabout)

Maybe somebody can get a real-world update?

He did and he said they were going to throw OB's on it.


Brian....Please don't! LOL

I took that bottom pic at Havasu.

Pretty sure Jeff finally pulled the motors because he could never get them to run exactly right. Cooling issues as I recall.

I wouldn't want triples for this. I'd like to take advantage of them being closer together (than a side/side BBC setup), for less drag. And when you get into triples on a V-bottom, then you end up needing one longer than the other two. And if 3 outboards, can you fit trim tabs on such a narrow boat?

The 29/30 OL is running mid-90s with NA Merc 300r motors. I bet the Glad would do at least that with 450s and probably do 80 easy with 300r versions.
My concern would be an already "slippery" :whistle: hull having the weight all on the very back.

Honestly I believe the Gladiator likes more weight on the back ours was very very happy with heavy azz SSMV hanging off custom 14" extension boxes.

cash you really think that fast with 2 x 450’s?

how fast do gladiators run with 525’s? I thought it was low 90’s. it’s a heavy cigarette after all.

as a side note...the gladiator is easily the best looking cig ever made. Putting OB’s on the back would be a sin.

An interesting question and one I hope remains theoretical. Sorry to hear Tyson's might be getting egg-beaters.

Speaking of reliable, waiting (forever) for my new CMI headers. then the engine rebuild is complete. Might put it on the market.

No header issues with outboards! Just saying... :D

I could consider painting the outboards aqua camo. All you can see below below are some antennas chasing a shiny anchor. :D :D
Attachment 577010:

Sir, you are VERY correct! Wish these headers came with 'head.'

[QUOTE=Sydwayz;4784673]No header issues with outboards! Just saying... :D

Yamaha 350's have had trouble with their exhaust manifolds, about $5K to replace!

They say 29' Fountain with outboards does 90mph 6500 LB boat?

Depending on the outboards close, as a example my 32 with twin BBC is 7200 ish. I would think the OB 29 would not be as heavy, velocity is getting 100+ with 400R's on the their 29.

Whats the difference in handling between a side by side and a staggered Glad? I know its not apples to apples like outboards but...

Honestly every owner I've ever talked with raves about how good they both handle. It's too the point the it's like nails on a chalkboard when people assume they have issues. It just blows me away, Especially after running our boat extremely aggressive and never experiencing anything negative. But I understand how this sport works. I do believe the extra weight of our drives and boxes may help keep the stern planted I also know the better offshore props help bite. Shoot any Gladiator, or boat, may benefit from newer better prop technology nowadays.

I think outboards would work great on these hulls

Have you gotten your Glad back together? Haven’t seen you post any updates about it lately...

Finishing touches

Not yet. been sitting since mid-August. The parts shortage has kept it down. The new engine was built and finished many months ago. However, cannot do anything without the new headers. when done, she'll have 1 brand new engine, new CMI headers, drives recently rebuilt, drive guardians work terrific. She'll be an insane beast!

We have to be understanding. Apparently, CMI has a team of 100 working around the clock. Mine are slated for completion April 20th.

In the meantime, just bought a killer used Statement! 380 Open. Their boats are awesome and a great value for your money. We LOVE IT!