State of the Industry, 2012: Part VI—Reggie Fountain

State of the Industry, 2012: Part VI—Reggie Fountain

As the high-performance marine industry faces new challenges, many companies will be putting their best foot forward to continue to advance the sport over the coming years. There are a lot of questions surrounding our market, so we thought now was as good a time as ever to sit down with nine of the most knowledgeable and respected people in the business to get their thoughts on the immediate future and the most pressing issues facing this industry.

Each weekday from Jan. 9 through Jan. 19, we’ll bring you another panel member’s answers from this nine-part Industry Focus Group feature. Not quite ready to dive into the New Year? Check out our list of the biggest stories of 2011.

REGGIE FOUNTAIN

President, Fountain Performance Marine

Do you envision a trend toward smaller boats?

At this time, I see no trend either way, but larger boats are selling better than smaller boats.

Do you foresee more people upgrading their current boats or even buying something used to fix up?

I definitely see more people upgrading their current boats or fixing used boats rather than buying new boats. Today, our service and restoration business is dramatically better than new boat sales.

What event(s) are you most looking forward to in 2012?

A change in the President of the United States of America and the resurgences of a weaker economy.

What do you think needs to be addressed in regard to safety concerns when it comes to both pleasure and race boats?

Lessons on how to drive and take care of (boats) tops my list. At Fountain Performance Boats, we will definitely be offering lessons on how to safely drive and how to adequately service their boats.

Editor’s Note: Next up, Randy Davis, Nordic Boats

Click here to read Part V with Arthur Burr, Total Dollar Insurance