If you know anything about powerboats, you know this name: Reggie Fountain. What you may not know is this champion race-boat-driver-turned-performance-boatbuilder sold more center console fishing boats in his Fountain Powerboats heyday than long-nose go-fast boats. Except the fishing boats were hair-on-fire fast, built on Fountain’s top racing bottoms.
The 34 CC we tested clocked 62 mph on dual 350 Verado outboards. The step hull made the most of the horsepower, but the Fountain design stuck tight in turns, defying the nasty rap some step hulls get for sliding out and swapping ends. We think the 34 CC built today is better than the best in earlier production runs because wood stringers and transoms are things of the past in Fountain Powerboats. Composite construction is lighter and won’t rot, guaranteed.
Fountain has the same great and timeless style lines that boat enthusiasts admire, and they are as good today as ever because the Fountain hull design was ahead of its time from its inception.
The helm was doubly protected, first by a beautiful hardtop with stereo speakers and storage boxes above, plus LED lights to put a glow on the deck at night. Even the cup holders have LED courtesy lights. The dash is performance black to fight glare, and storage compartments atop will keep phones secure.
Our test boat was tricked out with convertible aft seats over the livewell with a bolster back set in the transom. For fishing, cushions and seat backs can be stowed, and the cockpit opens up like the tournament-ready boat it is.
A dual seat on the front of the console has a cooler beneath it, doubling its purpose. Forward, the casting deck forms a 180-degree wraparound lounge with thick bolsters for backrests. In fact, the bolsters stretch from stem to stern, beam to beam. Like the aft seat cushions, you can stow the bow cushions for gritty fishing action — go ahead, bloody the decks. If you’re going to the fishing spot and going fast, leave them ashore to lighten the load and harden your fishing platform. Gunwale and shotgun rod holders abound, and hardtop rocket launchers plus undergunwale storage keep extra rods handy. Lockers in the deck and under the seats have lockable latches. Rigging is made easy with dedicated tackle storage in the console sides, and fish boxes are huge with pumps to drain them.
We’re glad Reggie’s back with Fountain fishers. We’re not so sure about the competition.
High Points
* Includes dual livewells and efficient high-speed pickups designed for step hulls.
* Recessed grab rails from helm to bow, port to starboard add security without snagging tackle.
* Hardtop is designed to receive your brand of outrigger mounts.
Price: $340,000 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engine: Dual Mercury Verados 350 hp
Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia Eco 19" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 200 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
Fountain Powerboats - Washington, North Carolina; 252-975-2000; fountainpowerboats.com
