In the world of high-performance boating, one name stands above the rest: Reggie Fountain. His company, Fountain Powerboats, redefined speed and engineering on the water. This is the story of a man and a brand that became synonymous with power, precision, and offshore racing dominance.
A Racer’s Roots
Reggie Fountain grew up in Tarboro, North Carolina, where the Pamlico River sparked his love for boats. He entered his first race at 14, a bold move that foreshadowed his future. After earning degrees from the University of North Carolina, he worked in insurance and real estate. But his heart was on the water.
By 1970, Reggie turned professional. He joined Mercury’s Factory Racing Team, racing alongside Earl Bentz and Bill Seebold. His skill was undeniable. He won Formula One World Championships in 1976 and 1977. Over his career, he competed in 201 races, winning 101. In 2004, he set a kilo speed record of 171.880 mph in a 40-foot Fountain. His racing prowess laid the foundation for his next chapter.
Building a Powerboat Empire
In 1979, Reggie founded Fountain Powerboats in Washington, North Carolina. The timing was tough—Mercury had disbanded its racing team during the oil embargo. But Reggie saw opportunity. His first boat, the 10 Meter Executioner, hit the water in 1980. Its notched transom and keel pad, inspired by an Allison Craft runabout, set a new standard for speed.
Reggie’s innovations didn’t stop there. In the 1990s, he introduced the Positive Lift Hull, a stepped design that boosted acceleration and handling. The flared “hawk beak” bow added length without drag. These features made Fountain boats fast and reliable. The company sold over 10,000 boats, generating $1 billion in sales, with a peak of $420 million in a single year.
Racing Glory
Fountain Powerboats dominated offshore racing. No other V-bottom manufacturer matched their wins. The 42 Lightning became a legend, blending speed with stability. Reggie’s racing background informed every design. He once said, “I built thousands of boats, and they never broke.” That durability won over racers and recreational boaters alike.
Navigating Rough Waters
Success came with challenges. The 2008 recession hit the boating industry hard. Fountain Powerboats filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009 and again in 2012. Reggie parted ways with the company in 2010, citing differences with new owners, Liberty Associates. Undeterred, he launched RF Powerboats in 2011, focusing on custom builds.
In 2016, Iconic Marine Group acquired Fountain Powerboats, along with Baja and Donzi brands. Production continued at the Washington, North Carolina, factory. Reggie returned as a consultant in 2017, bringing his expertise back to the brand. In 2023, the Fountain Certified Program was introduced, offering factory refurbishments for pre-owned boats.
