FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS SIGNS MORE THAN $3 MILLION IN NEW ORDERS AT NEW YORK NATIONAL BOAT SHOW; ORDERS

The 47 Foot Lightning Sports Boat Attracts Hundreds of Boating Enthusiasts to Fountain Powerboats’ Booth

[ClickPress, Tue Jan 17 2006] Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc. (AMEX:FPB), a leading manufacturer of high performance sport boats, fish boats and express cruisers, announced that is has taken orders in excess of $3 million, with orders for another $5 million pending, at the New York National Boat Show, held last week at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, New York.

"We are pleased to kick off the new year with a strong performance at our industry’s most historic boat show," commented Fountain Powerboat Chief Executive Officer and President Reginald M. Fountain, Jr. "Every dollar invested in our aggressive marketing and advertising programs pays for itself when we write $8 million in new orders during a boat show. We will continue our branding programs with the launching of two new fishing tournaments—one on Long Island, NY, and one on Staten Island, NY and with our continued sponsorship of the APBA-SPI Off-shore Racing Organization, American Striper Association and Southern Kingfish Association tournaments.”

During the week-long show, over 1,000 new boats were on display for the more than 75,000 attendees. Fountain’s 47’ Lightning sports boat was a highlight of the show, drawing huge crowds to the Fountain Booth. On hand to meet and greet the attendees were Fountain CEO Reggie Fountain, Jr., Executive Vice President David Knight, and Northeast Regional Sales Manager Charles Arnold. Fountain’s team was assisted by 16 sales representatives from three Fountain Powerboat authorized dealerships, East Coast Flightcraft, Coty Marine, and Mariner’s Cove.

"It was exciting to see firsthand the effectiveness of the education and training our dealers received from Fountain University,” said David Knight, Executive Vice President for Fountain. “When asked about our extensive product line, our sales representatives displayed a high degree of confidence and knowledge, which translated directly into sales.”

The Fountain University program, first introduced in the second quarter of 2005, includes a three-day interactive product and sales workshop addressing subjects such as ‘How to Apply Features and Benefits’, ‘Selling in Today’s Environment’, ‘How to Overcome Objections and Close the Sale’. Attendees also received in-water high performance boat training by professional drivers giving instruction on the correct methods for demonstrating Fountain cruisers, fish boats and sport boats for potential customers. The in-water training also covers the multi-step delivery process to ensure that every dealer can properly deliver a Fountain boat to its new owner.

About Fountain Powerboats, Inc.

Fountain Powerboats, Inc., a subsidiary of Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc., has its executive offices and manufacturing facilities along the Pamlico River in Beaufort County, North Carolina. The company designs, manufactures and sells offshore sport boats, sport fishing boats and sport cruisers that target the segment of the recreational power boat market where speed, performance, safety and quality are the main criteria for purchase. These recreational boats are based upon an innovative, award-winning design enabling world class performance while using standard reliable power. There are currently 12 buildings located on 65 acres totaling over 238,000 square feet accommodating 40 to 45 boats in various stages of construction at any one time. The present plant site can also accommodate up to 300,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space. The land and buildings are wholly owned by Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc. and its subsidiary, Fountain Powerboats, Inc. For more information, visit www.fountainpowerboats.com.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words "planned," "expects," "believes," "strategy," "opportunity," "anticipates" and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that may cause the company's actual results to be materially different from historical results or any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof. The potential risks and uncertainties which could cause actual growth and results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, customer acceptance of the company's services, products and fee structures, the success of the company's brand development efforts, the volatile and competitive nature of the industry, and changes in domestic and international market conditions, and foreign exchange rates. Further information on the factors and risks that could affect Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc.’s business, financial condition and results of operations are included under the "Risk Factors" or "Factors Affecting our Operating Results" sections of Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc. public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at (http://www.sec.gov).

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Investor Relations:
Marty Tullio or Mark D. Tullio
McCloud Communications, LLC
949.553.9748
marty@mccloudcommunications.com
mark@mccloudcommunications.com

####

Bookmark this release: Del.icio.us - Digg - Furl - Blinklist - Reddit