Yacht Class n°42 (Sept-Oct-Nov 2025)

With such a name, this hard-top could only rhyme with performance, and in fact her catalogue proudly boasts no less than seven engines, both inboard diesel and outboard petrol. Externally, the boat is very well laid out, with a lower deck available in three formulas, with two or three cabins. A spacious layout that is ideal for family cruising.

Written by : Alain Brousse – Photos : DR

As an introduction to this test, it would be almost inappropriate not to mention that the Canados brand will soon be celebrating its eightieth anniversary. Founded in 1946, this shipyard initially supplied the Italian navy, coastguards and harbour masters with appropriate units. Then, quite naturally, it turned its attention to models of fishing boats, before turning its attention definitively to pleasure boating. In 2015, motor yachting enthusiast Michel Karsenti acquired Canados. And to this quality could be added a particular affinity for nautical performance. In fact, there was a time when he was a highly skilled offshore pilot. So it is hardly surprising that the Gladiator family includes hard-top models from 40 to 96 feet, with hulls designed to keep up with the competition. Let’s focus on the Gladiator 571 Blade, whose exterior design bears the signature of the Roman firm Satura, and we have to admit that her lines express a sensation of speed.

A choice of seven engines

Just her “pseudonym” tells us about her initial intentions: the word “blade” to which may be added the word “fine” when describing the hull that features three notches and a V-angle of 26 degrees at the stern, not forgetting the four strakes that play an important, not to say essential, role in increasing speed. In her standard version, she is powered by two MAN diesels, each developing 850 hp, giving her a top speed of 38 knots. In the inboard version, again with diesel, she can accept up to 2 x 1,150 hp from Scania, for an impressive 50 knots. The SDS surface propellers also ensure sporty performance. And to complete the picture, the Gladiator 571 Blade is also available with four or even five 600 hp Mercury outboards. With a choice of seven powerplants ranging from 2 x 850 hp to 2 x 1,150 hp, and even 5 x 600 hp, the 571 has a bright future ahead of her.

An attractive profile

It could not have been any other way: although this model was designed by Satura Design, the “Karsentian” imprint is clearly there, with nothing escaping the shipyard’s boss, from the V-shaped hull to the layout plans. In the inboard version we discovered at the Cannes 2024 boat show, the stern of the 571 Blade was completely open to the sea. The traditional bathing platform opened onto the transom, which was fitted with two armchairs – which, for obvious safety reasons, we would advise against when sailing. One level higher, one may enjoy a solarium (seating for three or four) covering the locker housing the tender, preferably a 2.80 metre-long inflatable. Adjacent to this sunbathing area is a saloon, with a U-shaped bench seat for six passengers, and a table making it an ideal space for snacks and meals. The Blade’s side decks are high enough to ensure safe passage to the bow. Under the hard-top, with its windscreen designed to guarantee a 360-degree view, is the wheelhouse with its three armchairs and console, which, as we have seen, is complete and ergonomic. Piloting is done in the best possible conditions. Let’s move on to the bow and its undeniably comfortable relaxation area, which includes a solarium (seating for three or four) and three seats facing the sea. With nothing left to chance, the forward end has two seats with cushions.

Three versions for the lower deck

The Gladiator 571 Blade’s programme includes cruising in capital letters, thanks to her lower deck, available in three versions, including the basic version which is likely to be the most popular, offering all the comforts required for stays of varying lengths. Namely: a saloon with an L-shaped bench seat and a table, all fairly well lit by a rectangular porthole, with the galley on the main deck next to the three wheelhouse seats. This saloon seats four. The master occupies the end of the lower deck and offers a bathroom with a separate shower and toilet. The second cabin, reserved for the guest couple, also has a bathroom with toilet, but is smaller than the owner’s cabin. The third cabin has a single berth and a toilet. Another possible version: a master, two guests and the saloon, but no crew cabin. Finally, the last solution: no saloon and three cabins, i.e. one master and two guests, one of which has two bunk beds, and also a single crew cabin. These three options for arranging the lower deck are an additional asset for this unit. Add to this the various engines, and it’s hard not to describe the Canados Gladiator 571 Blade as a highly accomplished unit.