2112

A very nice boat and the asking price seams reasonable for a well sorted race boat (I assume that includes trailer). I am favoring an open cockpit at this time, but will, over the next several weeks keep this in mind. If it would be easy, could you post a pic that gave better detail of the canopy and how it is finished to the deck etc.

You know, up here in Seattle, a canopy would probably extend my season??

Hot Duck

The hull and the deck are the same as the pleasure versions. From what I understand, when it comes time for the cockpit, they install the canopy instead of the standard fairing. Here is a picture of the boat under construction. You can see the joint where the canopy is installed in place of the standard wind fairing.

Hot Duck

Here is another angle.

Hot Duck

Like the rest of the seams on the boat, when it's finished it's as smooth as glass.

Hot Duck

If you want to see one of these canopies being removed from a Gladiator, check out this web site. Tres Martin is working on one now and has posted a few pictures of the process. This may give you a better idea of how they are put together. I think that this is kind of a shame because there were only three of these canopied Gladiators ever made. Now, with this one being converted, there are only two.

If I end up keeping my boat, the canopy will stay and we will install an AC system and a stereo. Besides, if you are sitting in air conditioning you don't have to worry about getting sun burned! Also, as you stated, the canopy greatly extends the boating season!

Here is the link to Tres Martin's web site. Once the site loads, click on the link that says "36 Gladiator - Race To Pleasure."

Martin Offshore

GLH

I guess Ocean Performance has a 2002 Gladiator with 500 EFI's and XR's listed for $169K.

http://www.oceanperformance.com/boat%20sales.htm

2112

After your tips and looking around myself, It appears the market on gladiators are somewhat soft on the used end and the MSRP is very overly optimistic.

No knock on the boat, I imagine that without any cabin whatsoever it is in is own classification

GLH

I think it applies to more than the Gadiator, all performance boats are in that bag these days.

But still a 2002 "listed at $169K might be had for, let's say $150-$155 and this is now a 2 year old boat. Based on the new ones at $259, let's say bought for $245-$250 That is close to $100k in 2 years, now in post #8 you mentioned that buying used made you a little nervous. At 100k in depriciation on a 2002 boat, unless it sunk you could change all the mechanicals including outdrives and you would still have a LOT of money left.

I'll stand by my statement that what makes me nervous is the initial depriciation. Mind you the same happens with most cars. I am not unfortunatly at the level of bliss financialy where that kind of hit would not seriously jolt me. I don't think I ever would be, but thats me!

Hot Duck

GLH: You are right. On a new boat, depreciation is the killer. We have raced this Gladiator only 3 times and have run it 10-12 times for pleasure/testing. We planned to run the entire race season this past year, but that is another story in itself. Either way, to prove your point I will use my boat.

I built the boat brand new last year and have roughly 260K in it. This is just the boat. Then you add a trailer, a custom travel cover, canopy cover, spare prop sets, spare drives and misc extras. Basically, if I sell the boat for 200K I stand to loose roughly 90K in one year! It's crazy, but that is reality. This is what makes me want to keep the boat around, but I am not racing next year and I need two pleasure boats like a hole in the head!

As for the 2004 Cigarette price list, here is the one from Martin Marine. 2004 Cigarette Price List As everybody knows, these are not the actual selling prices, just the list prices.

GLH

HD you've owned some awesome rigs and I would not argue one bit your knowledge of operating costs on those toys!

There is a passage in the movie "The Right Stuff" about the space program that I am also reminded often when boating;
-You know what really makes your rocket ships go up?
-The aerodynamics would take so long to explain to you that--
-Funding. (interupting), Thatīs what makes your ships go up.


Like I tell my wife all the time about those rigs;
You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.