Fountain Powerboats has been manufacturing center-console boats long before many other high-performance manufacturers entered the arena. With the company’s engagement in offshore racing and kilo records, it’s easy to forget that Fountain has offered significant center-console options for nearly thirty years.
The latest model from Fountain Powerboats, the 43 NX, enhances the brand’s center-console legacy by providing a design that attracts both anglers and performance enthusiasts. This model is the second in the NX line, alongside the 39-foot version released earlier last year.
Nearly two years in development, the 43 NX is a quad-engine, wide beam vessel designed for the premium performance center-console market.
“We aimed for something both comfortable with quad engines and not merely elongated to accommodate them,” stated Joe Curran, chief operating officer of Iconic Marine Group, which owns Fountain Powerboats. “As engines evolve to become larger and more powerful, the performance will only improve.”
When Fountain Powerboats set out to create the 43 NX, the objective was to deliver a center-console model distinct from the company’s Bluewater series of fishing boats. Curran suggested the 43-footer might be the largest in the NX Series, though future models are anticipated.
“The NX series was designed for customers who desire the performance, handling, and resilience of a center console, without necessarily using it for fishing,” noted Martin Rusin, marketing director for Iconic Marine Group. “In recent years, we’ve noticed an increasing number of individuals transitioning from cruisers to larger center-console models.”
Measuring 43 feet long and 12 feet 3 inches wide, the 43 NX is made for offshore boating and large freshwater lakes. Additionally, it is designed to accommodate numerous friends and family for a fun day on the water. Standard seating features a U-shaped bow area and a chaise lounge positioned before the captain’s helm. There is also a sizeable bench seat at the transom.
The premier seat on the boat is the triple-wide helm chair with a flip-up bolster. According to our assessment, it can comfortably seat twelve people. The designers intended for the cockpit to be welcoming, opting for a layout similar to its sister boat, the 39 NX.
“It’s all about luxury, enjoying great company, poker runs, and cruising around South Florida,” remarked Rusin. “It’s truly an excellent boat for those activities.”
The helm area comes equipped with triple 16-inch Simrad NSS EVO3 displays mounted within a carbon panel, featuring LED push-button controls. Additional electronics include Mercury Marine’s VesselView, Chirp Technology with autopilot, and radar.
Just ahead of the pilot’s helm lies a surprisingly expansive cabin accessed through a sliding starboard door. Inside, Fountain has integrated sleeping arrangements for two, a separate head and shower, and a vanity with a sink.
While the 43 NX includes a cabin, Rusin mentioned that contemporary buyers do not prioritize cabin space.
“Today, people are less inclined to sleep on their boats. This trend is fading from the industry,” stated Rusin. “They appreciate the functionality and toughness of a center console, the overall design, how many friends they can bring on board, the spaciousness, storage, and practically every feature.”
Buyers can personalize the space behind the helm seats; however, the standard setup typically includes a wet bar with a galley sink, stove, and refrigerators. Rusin indicated that options such as a tackle station or pressurized live wells are also available.
The solid hardtop integrates effortlessly into the helm area, featuring rod holders crafted into the white powder-coated structure. Anglers will also appreciate the rod holders in the gunwales and three fish boxes equipped with overboard discharge.
Access to the cockpit is facilitated by a starboard dive door, and an integrated retractable ladder enables easy entry and exit from the water. Fountain has provided a freshwater washdown system with a 64-gallon holding tank.
The base configuration for the 43 NX relies on Mercury Verado 350 outboards. For buyers seeking more power, Fountain Powerboats offers the option of quad Mercury Verado 400 outboards. The 500-gallon fuel capacity ensures ample cruising range.
Curran confirmed that the 43 NX will utilize the same hull and construction method as the 39 NX. The hull, deck, and stringer system feature full infusion, minimizing weight without sacrificing strength. The boat is being built at the company’s facility in Washington, North Carolina.
Rusin mentioned that consumers can expect additional models from Iconic Marine Group, which also owns Baja and Donzi.
“We are one of the fastest-growing in that segment of the market, focusing on 33- to 45-foot center consoles,” Rusin said. “We’re having an exhilarating time, and more exciting products are on the way.”
The expected retail price for Fountain’s 43 NX is $692,400.
Specifications
Fountain Powerboats 43 NX
Length: 43’
Beam: 12’3”
Dry Weight with quad engines: 15,800 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 500 gallons