Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Chime in to compare and contrast-
I own a ZR Comp and bought one over a Gladiator, so you know what i think.

Dave

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

A ZR Comp of course !!! :D

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

I have had mine for 4 weeks & love it! I looked at a few Gladiators... their is no comparing the two. the ZR has a much better lay out, lots more storage, air induction in dash, adjustable foot rest, f 16 canopy's, built in ice chest 2, 4 gps units, intercom system & a rub rail. built like a tank nothing rattles shakes or vibrates. turns on a dime and is very stable at all speeds. and has a race record the Gladiator cant touch. this boat is AWESOME!!!. Just ask BT. :D

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Agree completely -
I have a couple of interested parties in my boat and it seems they are comparing to the Cig. I don't want to talk bad about the Gladiator but the ZR does have so much more to offer. In fact we are even thinking of adding the 1/4 cabin and maybe keeping our boat .
S.C.O.P.E Poker run coming soon -

Dave

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Mikaylahuntercig. Keep trying to make yourself feel better about owning the Donzi.This thread is good therapy for you.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Go back where you came from....
SEE YOU THERE...

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

PM you must be real invious of the zr... i cant blame you. you can ride in mine sometime. :drink:

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

I figured it was ok to visit your forum since you guys are always invading the Cig forum.I would love to ride in your boat,but I have an image to uphold.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Thats ok i understand, that is why i bought a harley just for the image.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

thats nice,however it would have been more cost effective to just buy a Cig T-shirt to wear.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

I love to see these type of guys faces back at the docks after they get smoked by a ZR !

" Don't make eye contact Earl, here com'es them Dam Donz-eye boys "

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Smoked? With similar power,I dont think so. And be nice,my first boat was a Z-25 and my brother has a 22 classic.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

i think the cig may be a little faster? im sure its lighter. a little info from powerboat.



Reprinted with the permission of Powerboat Magazine


SUITED FOR RACING
You don’t sit in Donzi’s 38 ZR, you wear it.


It would be easy to call the new Donzi 38 ZR an extreme boat, but that expression lost all its punch after the X Games-the first one-and in truth, its just not strong enough to do the 38 ZR justice.

Simply put, the 38 ZR is a perfect example of what can happen when a boat company focuses on making the best boat it can. In evidence of that, Donzi delayed the introduction of the 38 ZR because it needed more time to get every detail right. And it showed. From its slick on-water manners, to its hull efficiency, handling and its dominance in its first year of Factory 2 racing, the 38 ZR we tested was truly dialed in.


PERFORMANCE
Boats decelerate in a hurry. Drag from the water is tremendous and some boats stray to one side or another when chopping the throttles abruptly, especially at speed. The 38 ZR didn’t display the slightest hint of deceleration reaction, which truly is an achievement. More significant was how long it took to slow down when the throttles were cut.

Design cues on the hull were familiar, though applied differently from other 38-footers on the market. The 38 ZR featured two forward-vented steps and a modified V-pad keel. The first step was located about 16 feet from the transom and the second was about 6 feet aft the first. The inside strakes terminated at the second running surface and the outer-located about 20 inches from the chines-ran all the way to the transom. Chines measured about 4 1/2 inches wide and were flat.

None of these features was anything we haven’t seen before, but in this application, they produced astounding results. The boat was easy to drive, with no need for excessive steering input. All you had to do was correct its path once in a while. We hammered it across 3-foot seas, hardly ever lifting off the throttle. The 38 ZR just seemed to find a place and run there, never popping its nose or porpoising even at top speeds. It landed softly, never jarring your spine, thanks to an on-purpose seven-degree rearward andgle in the sit-down bolsters.

The boat was perfectly sensitive to trim and virtually immune to crosswinds. Tracking was top-notch at any speed, even at idle in gear. No doubt the staggered engine formation and the 19” centers contributed greatly to the boat’s stability.

For propulsion on our test model, Donzi went with Bravo One XR drives mounted on Integrated Transom Systems, with Latham steering to the helm, and 380C K-Planes. Gear cases were the Mercury Racing 2-inch-shorter Sport Masters with 1.5:1 reduction and stock15 1/4” x 34” props. For power, Mercury Racing HP525EFIs filled the engine bay.

The combination produced a 91.1-mph top speed at 5,200 rpm on a hot sticky day. The boat came on plane in 6.4 seconds with tabs, briefly blocking the horizon, and hit 41 mph in 10 seconds and 68 mph in twice that. Once the 38 ZR got rolling is where the fun began. Going from 30 to 50 mph took only 5.5 seconds and 40 to 60 mph took even less time at 4.9 seconds.


WORKMANSHIP
For starters, tooling for the 38 ZR was stellar. Mold work was as good as anything we’ve ever seen. Long straight hull-sides were error free, as was the tooling for the deck and the flawless installation of the rubrail, a plastic extrusion with a stainless-steel insert. Fit and finish everywhere was spectacular which also is a word that could be used to describe the lamination schedule.

Donzi used alternate layers of Kevlar and S-glass, with vinylester resins. The hull-and-deck joint was through-bolted and attached on the inside with three layers of Kevlar and one layer of S-glass. Hullsides were cored with five-eights A-500 ATC Corecell applied in a staggered fashion and each of the boat’s 10 bulkheads were 2 3/8” Corecell with a skin of S-glass for added rigidity.

Out in the cockpit, Donzi installed twin sit-down bolsters that fit like a race suit. Once in place, the side cushions partially covered your thighs, keeping you securely in place. All the vinyls were of top quality and were stitched together with incredible care.

Under the overboard-scuppered manual engine hatches, which were held shut with twist-and-pull stainless latches and supported with gas struts, Donzi staggered the starboard engine forward. Both engines were mounted with through-bolted L-angles. Donzi also fabricated the battery boxes and mounted them to either side of the center stringer. To conceal plumbing and wiring, Donzi laminated rigging tubes into the sides of the boat for a cleaner appearance, and all trim pumps were mounted to the outer stringers to either side. Wires and hoses that were visible were supported above Coast Guard spec with stainless cushion clamps and nylon tie-wraps.


INTERIOR
Since this boat was designed as a “roadster” –and it definitely hit its mark- there was no cabin on the 38 ZR, just a couple of lockers in the foredeck for fenders and lines.

The cockpit, however, was as good as it gets. F-16 canopies protected the driver and throttleman from the 90-plus mph breeze and offered good visibility and clarity.

Rigged for one- or two-person operation, the Marine Machine levers-on the console and the optional sticks in starboard gunwale-featured trim switches on each throttle handle that controlled the drives and tabs. For individual adjustments, there were redundant switches on the dash. Gaffrig by Livorsi supplied carbon-fiber-face Monster gauges and Azimuth 1000 electronic compasses sat atop the dash on both sides. All accessory switch gear was heavy-duty pull-and-throw military-style toggles.

Sit-down bolsters hugged their occupants, including the rear three-person “bench,” with form-fitting side supports and optional stainless grab handles to the left and right of all rear passengers. Front passengers benefited from adjustable electric footrests and an optional forced-air system on and under the dash.


OVERALL
Considering all the time and effort that went into designing and building it -not to mention how rewarding the finished product was to drive- you’d have a hard time finding a better 38’ offshore V-Bottom. It’s a benchmark boat for other builders to follow.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Nice article .Sounds like the two boats are pretty similar in speed. I considered one before the Gladiator purchase, but bottom line is ,Im a Cigarette guy, and I think the Gladiator is more of a custom built boat. Also,in the looks dept, for me ,I liked the Gladiator better..However, the Zr is definetly a boat I would be proud to own and drive.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

pm- no ill-will, just throwing shot for shot, all in fun :)

In rough water I have witnesed many of Cig's fall prey to the ZR.
(Hell even in some not so rough ( Exibit A ) lead boat.)

My oberservations has been that Cig owners take it allitle harder than most :)

Hey tough ! You could always go take a look at the staged video on 188th.com of the ZR getting smoked to make ya feel better !

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Bottom line is that us sit-down guys gotta stick together.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

I hear Ya, but you still better get used to this view :) (Exibit B)

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Yah, after its being towed home all upset from geting beaten by the legend.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Your not still riding on the coat-tails of "Legend" are you? ya gotta give that up.

I'm more of a advanced technologies guy myself, this is the usual reaction from Cig boys. :)

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Actually that is OSG Donzi and OSG Junior race teams from Italy....

In big water like the P1 Competition there's a reason the Cig is the junior...

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

what does the cig glad run with 525s? i hope to have my zr over 100 soon.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Customryder, 92-95 depending upon boat and conditions.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Isn,t it funny how the ass end of that Cig looks better than the face of the Donzi?

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

6 out of 8 wins... dont see any gladiators
Sponsors
Contact Us
Driver Resources








Team Fisher 22

Class: Factory 2 Sponsors






Make: Donzi
Length: 38
Engines: 2 470 HP
Engine Make: Mercury
Drives: Mercury
Owner: Team Fisher Offshore Racing
Web Site:

Current Standings

Current National Class Standing: 1
Total National Points: 2815.5
Total Divisional Points: 0

Date Location (click for full results) Points Placed

National Results
04/29/05 Ft Lauderdale, Fl 250 1
05/01/05 Ft Lauderdale, Fl 250 1
05/14/05 Marathon, Fl 250 1
05/15/05 Marathon, Fl 250.5 1
06/10/05 Marathon, Fl 500 1
07/01/05 Sarasota, Fl 450 2
07/15/05 Dania Beach, Fl 500 1
08/05/05 Washington, NC 365 4

Driver

Bobby Fisher
Houston Texas

Throttles

Chris Gatturna
Ft. Myers Florida

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

next..
Sponsors
Contact Us
Driver Resources








Talk'n Tools 46

Class: Factory 2 Sponsors






Make: Donzi
Length: 38
Engines: 2-500 HP
Engine Make: Mercury
Drives: Mercury
Owner: Brian Ross
Web Site:

Current Standings

Current National Class Standing: 2
Total National Points: 1504
Total Divisional Points: 0

Date Location (click for full results) Points Placed

National Results
04/15/05 Miami, Fl 500 1
07/01/05 Sarasota, Fl 501 1
08/05/05 Washington, NC 503 1

Driver

Wilma Ross
Oakville Alaska

Throttles

Brian Ross
Oakville, Ont Alaska

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

You guys have to lighten up.The ZR is a good boat,but next to the Gladiator or any other Cig,its just like any production Baja.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

baja? “Out Classing The Competition!”
Success breeds success, and in turn, we have achieved unprecedented results! The 2004 season was one for the history books. Never has a team under the Donzi badge, or a rookie for that matter, won both the F-2 National and World Championships in the same season. Additionally, we won eight out of the nine races for the season. About that single race we lost, we were in first place when one of the motors blew a head gasket. A tenth race was canceled due to Hurricane Ivan. Because of this total domination and not to mention one sexy boat, we have garnered attention from our sponsors and the national media alike.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Got to say Donzi has been good on the races...

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Congratulations to the entire Donzi racing teams.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

I like 'em both, but a Cig. will always be a Cig.

I don't think the style will ever fade, I'm not sure I can say the same for the "new technology" of the Donzi. Donzi definitely shows as a larger boat, even when they are on the trailers. Even both cockpits(since '04 Glad.) resemble each other.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Interesting comparison .... lots of people going the "sit-down" route ... Where / how does the 39 GTX fit into all this ???

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

with all due respect, i cig is a very nice boat, but all i see is fancy paint, that will fade long before the "new technology" take all that crazy paint off & see what is left. anyone can paint a boat. ride in a ZR comp if you ever have a chance.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

What new technology are you talking about? F-16 canopies? Unfortunately ,the ZR already looks dated. Sounds like the ZR is a great boat, and I like the boat ,but it is not even in the same zip code as a Cigarette.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

i sure would like to drive one to find out. very nice also. i was told my a very large dealer set down is the hottest thing going.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

got to hand it to you pm you are cigs biggest fan. :D

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

PM203 put down the pipe, the ZR is a bad azz boat. You are giving us Cig guys a bad name.

Different strokes for different folks, it's all about being on the water!! :cool:

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Hey! I havnt been that bad,and i have even complimented the ZR.Just have to put my two cents in when the Gladiator is mentioned.Just having some fun as well.As far as giving us Cig guys a bad name,maybe you should put down the pipe.

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

Yeah ..... that 37 gtx didn't last long !!! What exactly did you not like about it ???

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

I guess that it was not cost-effective for OL to build any more in the 37 configuration..

Re: Gladiator vs ZR Comp
 

ok, I'll end it all here....


Fountain blows 'em all away :frog: :drool: