Gladiator
#41
You all know i've been beating doors for a used 525 stag. gladiator so I would like to hear this as well.
#42
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
Gerard - Just the standard layout - raw fiberglass and stringers. However, the gunnels between the stringers are a perfect size for plastic storage containers. Throw four of those down there and you have storage galore. They never move or bounce around. Everything stays dry. The only thing you have to worry about is when you are washing the deck. The hatch design is lousy. At least the Top Guns have a channel to catch water around the hatch opening. Cigarette apparently did not worry about this with the Gladiators since there is no cabin to protect from the elements. There is no channel - only a rubber gasket - and that does nothing to keep water out. Water will dribble into the hull and if the plastic containters are open ... bummer!
Mine is hull #40. The hatch issues you list have been rectified.

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#43
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
It's a great boat! No complaints. Sitting down is not an issue. Left hand throttling is not a factor. If you don't mind the smaller cockpit area and no cabin down below - you'll love the boat. There is nothing sexier than the lines of the Gladiator. If I can help it I will never have another boat with a rub rail. Rub rails look antiquated to me now.
IMO, the reason the Gladiators have such "sexy lines" is because the proportions of the boat are so fantastic. Deck length is slightly greater than 50% of the total boat length. Reminiscent of the Glory days of offshore boats.
There is a push for bigger cockpits and integral swim platforms which shorten the length of the deck in proportion to the entire boat. The one that kills me is when the windshield is 8 feet in front of front bolsters just so you can stand up while in the head. Ruins the proportions.
Very few long deck boats still being made. Even the all white Scarab pictured in this thread has that great look.
PS I was wrong about the hatch, I thought we were discussing the engine hatch and of course I only caught it after I posted it was rectified.
#44
Originally Posted by 2112
IMO, the reason the Gladiators have such "sexy lines" is because the proportions of the boat are so fantastic. Deck length is slightly greater than 50% of the total boat length. Reminiscent of the Glory days of offshore boats.
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Look Fast *** Sold Sold Sold *** ... F2 Cigarette Top Gun in OSO Classifieds
Look Fast *** Sold Sold Sold *** ... F2 Cigarette Top Gun in OSO Classifieds
#47
The advantage of the staggered set up in that it keeps the majority of the weight low in the boat and close to the center line which helps with balance. Also, having the drives closer to the center provides for better hookup in rough water. The negatives are that the boat will not be as friendly around the docks due to less leverage. Of course the big advantage is that you can access the engines very easily to do maintenance, etc. I could go on and on....... As far as the ride in recreational conditions I think the difference is negligible.
#48
Gold Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
Thanks d-hlaw
As a staggered boat owner I was aware of the pros/cons as you explained them. I was more referring to BG1's post that led me to believe he was going to say something a little different with regard to a Gladiator specifically.
As a staggered boat owner I was aware of the pros/cons as you explained them. I was more referring to BG1's post that led me to believe he was going to say something a little different with regard to a Gladiator specifically.
#49
Originally Posted by 2112
IMO, the reason the Gladiators have such "sexy lines" is because the proportions of the boat are so fantastic. Deck length is slightly greater than 50% of the total boat length. Reminiscent of the Glory days of offshore boats.
There is a push for bigger cockpits and integral swim platforms which shorten the length of the deck in proportion to the entire boat. The one that kills me is when the windshield is 8 feet in front of front bolsters just so you can stand up while in the head. Ruins the proportions.
Very few long deck boats still being made. Even the all white Scarab pictured in this thread has that great look.
PS I was wrong about the hatch, I thought we were discussing the engine hatch and of course I only caught it after I posted it was rectified.
There is a push for bigger cockpits and integral swim platforms which shorten the length of the deck in proportion to the entire boat. The one that kills me is when the windshield is 8 feet in front of front bolsters just so you can stand up while in the head. Ruins the proportions.
Very few long deck boats still being made. Even the all white Scarab pictured in this thread has that great look.
PS I was wrong about the hatch, I thought we were discussing the engine hatch and of course I only caught it after I posted it was rectified.
#50
i spend alot of time in a gladiator and the only complaint i have is that in rought seas your back takes a beating due to the sit down config and living here at the Jersey Shore and spnding the majority of time in the Atlantic Ocean i would personally opt for the GUN !!!



