Fountain Tests New 43NX Center Console; Plans Comeback for Lightning Line
Iconic Marine Group, the parent company of Fountain, Donzi and Baja, has begun water-testing its new 43NX, Fountain’s largest center-console model to date. It’s expected to be officially unveiled at the Miami International Boat Show in February.
The 43’ joins the company’s equally luxurious 39NX, and will be powered by quad Mercury Racing 400R Verado outboard. Multiple seating areas will be available, including a triple-seat helm station, wrap-around bow seating, a Chaise lounger in the front of the console and stern bench. Under the console, you’ll find a large sleeping berth as well as a private well-appointed head; a compact galley includes a fridge and microwave. Among the options are a cockpit galley, which will add another fridge, a freezer, and a grill and sink.
Fountain Sales and Marketing Director Martin Rusin told Powerboat Nation that as his team dials in the 43NX, they’re extremely positive about the boat’s performance and handling characteristics. “It’s a great running, great handling boat,” he says. “We were impressed with the performance of it and the handling of the boat. For a 43-foot with over a 12-foot wide beam, she handles great.” Rusin said that Fountain expects to see 75-80 mph with the 400s when the boat is dialed in and propped to perfection.
“This is an upscale luxury center console, so this will be ideal for a guy who’s looking for the functionality and durability of a center console,” Rusin says. “He’s a performance-minded guy who is not necessarily a fisherman, although the boat does have rod holders and we’ll be offering livewell options. This boat is for the guy who’s checking all the boxes and who wants to look good, go fast and take 12 of his closest friends with him. It’s all about seating, room, comfort and luxury.”
On the electronics side, the 43 comes standard with three Simrad 16″ NSS EVO3 displays, autopilot with remote, closed-array radar, Mercury 703 Vessel View, dash carbon panel with Bocatech LED push-button switches, DTS controls, digital throttle shift, etc.
In addition to the 43NX, Rusin said that Fountain is also planning a “rebirth” of its legendary Lightning line, with 42′ and 47’ models to be announced shortly. “It’s demand-driven, Rusin says. “We already have interested parties on the retail side. It’s going to be an updated version of the line—we’re not simply going to bring out Reggie’s old 42’. We’re doing a little bit of styling updates—new interior, new cockpit, the latest technology, latest Mercury Racing sterndrive offerings.” In addition, he said, the dash is being retooled for digital touch-screen displays to replace the gauges. “There’s a rebirth happening, and it’s pretty exciting.”
