Fountain Powerboats Reports Positive Dealer Interest;
Discontinues Factory Superstore

Washington, NC – December 1, 2010:

Amidst renewed interest from marine industry dealers, Fountain Powerboats is implementing new sales strategies and is discontinuing its factory-direct “Fountain Factory Superstore,” the company announced today.

Bill Gates, Fountain’s Chairman, stated, “The factory superstore was an effective interim selling solution prior to the Fountain’s reorganization, but today, retail interest is on the rise, our dealers are gaining confidence in our new management team, and other dealers are taking notice. Overall the market outlook surrounding Fountain Powerboats is very encouraging, and we are enacting new strategies that serve our long-term vision for the company.”

Previously, potential retail customers in North and South Carolina, Virginia and Open Areas not covered by dealers were offered the option of purchasing boats directly through the factory superstore, via its website and dedicated factory sales staff. Fountain has announced that it will discontinue this practice effective December 1, 2010.

Gates explained,”Providing Fountain’s end customers with a positive service experience is crucial, and there’s no better way to assure such an experience than by partnering closely with a strong dealer network. With that in mind, the decision was made to allow our dealers to do what they do best, while we refocus our own efforts on supporting them by designing and building the finest performance boats in the industry.”

Fountain and parent Liberty Associates, in its commitment to expand their Dealer network, is offering a minimum of $5.0 Million dollars in Floor Plan financing to dealers. John Walker, Fountain’s COO, stated that “Fountain and its affiliated companies have signed up 16 new dealers over the past 6 months with the assistance of this Program, and for a limited time, dealer’s are eligible for additional incentives under this Floor Plan Program.” Walker further stated that “Qualified dealers interested in coming on-board should contact a member of Fountain’s Dealer Development Team by calling 252-975-2000, as these additional incentives will only be available through the week of the Miami Boat Show ending on February 21, 2011.

Since 1979, Fountain Powerboats has established itself as one of the most significant names in offshore powerboats, amassing numerous offshore racing titles, fishing tournament championships, and accolades from boating publications, while building a loyal, worldwide customer base. Fountain manufactures virtually all its components in-house at its modern 250,000 square-foot facility on the Pamlico River in Eastern North Carolina. Today, the company produces a wide array of fishing boats, express cruisers, and high performance sport boats ranging in size from 31’ to 48’.  To find out more, visit the company’s website at Fountain Powerboats.

For more information on this story, contact: John Walker, Fountain’s COO at 252 – 975-2000.

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