Gladiator or Skater
 

I am considering both of these boats what would you buy. Gladiator W/525 bravo xr or 32 Skater 525 Arneson 8-6's. The price difference is kind of big but not too bad. I would love to hear some input.

douglas marine.. hands down

I would by a Gladiator. Just my worthless Opinion. Did you take either or both for a test drive?

I wouldn't think twice... 32' Skater.

That is one of the problems. I could ride the gladiator but the skater with the big arnesons was my idea and ITS is going to build it for me. I do have some reservations about the rides on each like how will the sater run in 3-5 seas. Both being sit downs people are saying I will have a sore back but I just do not know. I have a 33 powerplay currently that I would not mind holding on to if things do not work out with either boat. I am a bit tired of standing up all day.

I need more input examples...

I'd take that 32' Skater in those waters any day of the week. The thing about the cat is you really need to be going over 65 mph before the ride really softens up. If you're not willing to travel at this speed or more you'll take a little beating. At higher speeds you will not get beat-up like you would I a vee hull. I don't know much about the Arnesons, but I've heard nothing but good things about them for use in cats. The two down sides to cats are insurance rates and lack of cabin space. If you can get over those hurtles, cats are FAR superior in just about every way... IMHO.

I have no problem with the speed, and lack of cabin space but I will say that the insurance is a bit depressing. Do you think it would be a big differance?

completely different but neither has a cabin. Go with the Skater. I rode in a 32 last summer. With 5 people on board the boat ran 118mph on gps. The motors were 575's but I think he was running a different pulley kit, the motors were making about 7lbs of boost. The entire ride was above 85mph other than the start of course. This was my first ride in a larger cat and I was impressed. The boat turned well and rode very flat. We launched off my father in laws cruiser wake at 100mph and the boat flew level and landed very smooth. Since you dont want a cabin, I would go with the Skater hands down. Have you checked the insurance rates, it will be very different.

Flip a coin.

32' Skater would be my choice...My friend bought one w/575's brand new for $260k on a trailer.