Reggie Fountain looms larger than life, with more than 50 years in performance boating. Few people can beat him either on the race course or at the drawing board. We can definitely see his mark on the all-new 39 NX.
First there’s the performance. Our top speed hit 70 mph — not record-breaking, unless you’re doing it with a full crew sipping cold drinks in the many lounge seating options.
Next, take the bow area. There are V-shaped seats from just forward of the center console to the anchor locker, which in this case is equipped with a windlass. Deeply set for secure riding, the boat has powder-coated grab rails all around, recessed and streamlined but easy to reach. The dual lounge seats forward of the console can’t seem to decide if they belong in an intergalactic rocket ship or on a speed boat with an equally sci-fi luxury look. Headrests and curved seat backs are as cool-looking as they are comfortable, and there’s leg room galore. Also you can tuck a few rolled towels in the easy-access compartments behind the seats — that’s convenience.
Aft seating is even more impressive. The transom lounge goes beam to beam, with an opening for a transom door. Storage and a livewell underneath remind the sunbathers that this is a fishing boat. Same goes for the rocket launchers overhead — and you can reach those more easily than on most center consoles.
The console itself is all Fountain performance — dual navigation screens, LED gauges and still plenty of room for radios, stereos, windlass controls and joystick steering if you choose it. The seats are ideal for sit-down driving or stand-up driving (with the bolsters up). Back-to-back seats give anglers a choice of spots from which to watch the lines. Tackle storage is ample, hidden but accessible. For the crew standing alongside the captain, there are grab rails styled into the hardtop structures, curved for an easy grip and exactly where they need to be.
That’s like Reggie Fountain himself — always exactly where he needs to be to keep us excited about boating.
High Points
- New leaning post options include three choices of dual livewells, a tackle station or wet bar with grill and fridge.
- Hardtop structure is blended into the console.
- Scalloped sides extend from the steps at the chine for a speedy swoosh.
Price: $565,200
How We Tested
Engines: Triple Mercury Verado 350s
Drive/Props: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16" x 23"
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 125 gal.
Crew Weight: 600 lb.
Fountain Powerboats - Washington, North Carolina; 252-975-2000; fountainpowerboats.com
