38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

I just wanted to get some opinions on what some different people thought. I currently own an 03' 38 lightning w/ stag. 700's. I've been looking at a couple different gladiators on the internet and have kind of got a wild hair about trading for one. Any thoughts???

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

I wish I had that problem!!!!!!!!!! I think you would enjoy the gladiator with similiar power. I think the speeds would be similiar, and the gladiator would handle the rougher water maybe a little bit better. Only one way to find out!!!

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Why?? Whats wrong with what you have now??

You could trade it in on the regular Fountain it would be faster.

The Gladiator does not have anything up front .

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

I have a 2003 Gladiator with stag. 700 Zuls that I would give you a good deal on.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

There seems to be alot of newer Gladiators for sale. No cabin, but a cool ride. Buy one and then weigh in on what you think between the two.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Wait for the new sit down 42 fountain and see. I looked at the OSO gladiator friday and while the cool factor was high after going to the shoot out today and using my cabin I would only be able to do it for a second boat.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

This comparison is like escalade versus corvette!!
Pros and cons

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Sorry Mike Fountains are not sexy. It's like comparing a Viper to a Ferrari. The Ferrari is sexy! (Ferrari being the Gladiator) Ask any cig owner.

get a GLAD HE ATE HER!


I stole that from CB :D ;)

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

With all due respect... having ridden in both in rough water the Gladiator is in a different league. This is not a hack on Fountains just the truth, the ride is superior.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Hey! The Lawyer is speaking the truth! :D:D:D ;) I like the sig!

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

The Gladiator,
Is your boat the one listed on lip ship??......If so that's the boat that's got this thought running through my mind.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

The lack of a cabin is something that has a rough spot on the idea but one thing about it is i never use my cabin. maybe to store some bumbers and some life jackets but that's about it. I really like doing poker runs and the gladiator seems to be more of a poker run style boat.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Turns on a dime, give ya nine cents change!!!

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

I need a cabin and at that a/c too. The 42' 2005 Fountain has a redesigned hull I understand. Both the Cigarettes and Fountains are Ferrari's in my humble opinion. Depending on the day I could go either way depending what I wanted to spend. The Fountain offers a lot of value. The Cigarette offers a lot of curb appeal on top of performance for a price.

I took a 42' Fountain out (and looks aside as that seems to be a key factor here) it is a wave crusher and very good at handling and very fast. I have not taken out a stepped Cigarette yet. So buy the one you like because you can't miss with either is what I say.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Notice the horizon....... that boat was about 3 degrees from rolling over!!!

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

So you do the law thing too>?

You were drivgin a Cig or Fountain in your dime turning pic?

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Yup, I do the law thing..... of course it was a Cig, everybody knows that a fountain wont go fast enough to spin!!!

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

I have just reached a point where I think you can't knock a Cig or a Fountain. They are both winners.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

:eek:
:D

Nothing cuts through rough water like one of them Cee gar boats...

Once you have one nothing else will do... well maybe an Outerlimits. :)

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Naw Mike, I am the one with no shirt......

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Yes that is the Gladiator on Philly's website. There is a lot of room down below for bumpers and life jackets if that is all you need it for. I personally think that when you ride in one you will fall in love with it. It is all about what you want out of a powerboat and I know you will repect the way the Gladiator handles in rough stuff. I boat in SE Michigan (Lake Erie) and I love it, I would not have anything else that is why I am building a new 2005. PM me if you have any more questions.

Todd

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Todd,
I sent you an e-mail so let me know if you get it.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

I have a Gladiator and space is not really a problem; the cockpit is small, even though the cabin is not finished there is ample storage up there and room in the engine compartment for storage as well. The ride is definately better than a 38' Fountain (not a jab) but I have been in both and the Cigarette rides better period. The fit and finish of the Cigarette is far superior to that of the Fountain and I have owned and maintaned both, in fact I consider myself a Fountain fan but after having both I prefer Cigarettes. The new sit down 42' Fountain may be a really cool machine though. I say give it a try and decide for yourself. Good Luck.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Hey Mike your "Time Out King" is funny :D :D :D

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Not sure how to compare those boats - If you are trying to impress guys, get the cig, if you are trying to impress girls, stay with the fountain - best cabin going for gulls - they love them. If you are not trying to impress anybody, then who cares what we think - you decide!! :p

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Everytime I have tried to impress anyone but myself I always bought the product "they" liked and I always didn't. You can't please eveybody so you might as well please yourself.

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Josh,

I talked to Philly tonight and I will call you tomorrow around Noon.

Todd

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

If you meet a girl who doesn't know anything about boating... it doesn't matter what boat you have. All they care about is how expensive it is... and that you have money to burn. Sad but true. Unless you get lucky.


I'm a chick and I say get a Cig. I like the no cabin. Who needs the added weight.

I thought Offshore was performance boating...

cabin boating... ins't that what bayliners are for?

Re: 38 Lightning vs. 36 Gladiator
 

Isn't that what women are for? :D