Lacklustre defending was never going to be enough to contain a Shots side containing Tim Sills and hat-trick hero Jonny Dixon.
The Fleet's record of having not conceded a goal in 2005 was shattered after 10 minutes when Sills broke down the left wing and crossed the ball into the box. Justin Skinner tried to clear but Dixon pounced to stroke the ball into the net.
Dixon twice got behind the Fleet defence in the first half but was thwarted by smart blocks from keeper James Pullen on each occasion.
Gravesend looked hesitant and on 53 minutes Sills capitalised on a misunderstanding between Jimmy Jackson and Skinner to fire a firm shot into the arms of Pullen.
Within three minutes the Shots had doubled their lead.
A left-wing cross from Dwaine Clarke picked out Dixon who had the simple task of planting the ball wide of Pullen.
The Fleet reduced the arrears in the 59th minute when Skinner's deep free-kick was met by Jay Saunders at the far post and he picked his spot for his fifth goal of the season.
Dixon's hat-trick came in the 64th minute. A long ball down field was helped on by Sills and, from the edge of the box, Dixon launched a magnificent curling volley well beyond the reach of the keeper.