Front Runner 43 CAT

Front Runner Boats began as a genuine grassroots idea.

Back in 2011, fishing buddies Mark Lacovera and Phillip Mahn, both veteran boaters and marine industry alumni, realized an opportunity to buy a 38-foot Fountain, overhaul and restore it, and then sell it.

That first eureka moment saw success and, like an insistent pair of sailfish cutting the surface after trolling baits, the team followed it up by rebuilding, rewiring, repairing and restoring nine other sportfish boats.

Their second inspirational flash came as they both questioned, why, in their combined opinions, it wasn’t done right from the beginning? Why could all these boats not live up to their particular standards?

Start from scratch

After inspecting the insides and outsides of boats from the major builders, they decided to take a leap of faith and start designing and building the kind of boat they always imagined was the right one for them.

By February 2019, that aspiration became Front Runner Boatworks. Presently, its model lineup of six boats — including the big-shouldered, center console 43 Cat with quad 400-hp Mercury V10 power — is making a major statement in this sector. The team’s success with its previous 37-foot Cat prompted its realization of this larger boat.

“We looked at all that was positive with catamaran design and what was lacking,” says Lacovera. “We designed a product that would do all the good things and none of what we didn’t want.”

As with all its models, the Front Runner 43 Cat’s design is by renowned naval architect Erwin Gerards, whose list of top-level builds includes Garlington, Michael Rybovich and Game Fisherman, along with many others, and runs on a stepped hull, lifting strakes and a flared bow. Common to all catamaran hull designs, the beam is carried fully forward making optimum use of deck space. This is quite apparent the moment you step aboard.

Action packed

Full attention was given to supplying the maximum fishing space possible without sacrificing comfort. To that end, the Front Runner 43 Cat presents a helm featuring a double row of three bolstered seats, an oversized bow sunpad with 14 total rod holders (seven on each side), a kill box under the cushion on one side and storage under the other, a teak leaning post aft with four more rod holders, wide walkways to either side, as well as a large transom area with a pair of 55-gallon livewells. Coaming bolsters surround the interior and deck hatches reveal storage and additional livewells.

The centerline helm features a wide console with plenty of space for a pair of Garmin 8622 22-inch nav screens and all controls, including throttles, joystick, autopilot, 4-foot open array radar and a pair of ICOM VHF radios.

Switches and other notable equipment are all within easy reach and visibility. Another noteworthy observation is the robust, solid feel both underfoot and to the touch of just about everything onboard. From the hardtop and its supports to the hinges on the starboard boarding door, to the way hatches and doors open and close, to the conspicuous fine fit and finish, this is a well-built boat.

Forward and to starboard of the console is access to the head and storage area, while the aft section features both salt and freshwater washdowns, a telescoping dive ladder, and in-deck access to the pair of sea chests and deep cycle batteries housed in custom boxes. With a long list of upgrade options such as a pair of 22-foot Gemlux riggers, gap or Marlin tower, electric reel outlets, teaser reels, glass windshield or phone booth enclosure, and teak helm chairs, your Front Runner 43 Cat will be a personal statement of ownership.

Smooth, steady, stable

Equipped with the precision of Mercury electric steering and joystick control, maneuvering her out of her dock space and into the seaway leading to Biscayne Bay, even with a persistent 15-mph breeze, was effortless. With a long no-wake zone ahead, we motored along until the way was clear. With all six of us ready for our performance runs in the 2-foot chop, we slowly increased our speed and noted getting up on plane at about 1800 RPM, holding plane at about 18-20 mph.

Our best cruise speed of 45-50 mph came in at 4500 RPM. We topped her out at 68 mph, with a 74 mph top speed recorded by the company during its own sea trial. We then performed a series of S-turns, some tight, and noted a smooth transition in and out of the maneuvers with no noticeable loss of RPM or bow steering. The speed runs were exhilarating, and at that pace our boat was smooth, steady, stable and always under control with no slapping or tunnel sneezing.

“Our boats are so well-balanced they can supply comfort, performance and all-around practicality in any area,” says Lacovera. “Everything is done in-house, from upholstery, C&C and glass cutting, to the metal work. For the Great Lakes, a boat like the 43 Cat is a great match. With its offshore heritage, along with its quality and strength — especially for recreational use when the wind picks up and the weather goes south — you’ve got a boat under you designed and engineered to take it.”

To further the point, Front Runner took Best in Show at this past Cleveland Boat Show.

Lacovera and Mahn started Front Runner Boatworks with their own money, eliminating corporate investors, loans and silent partners, thus ensuring their combined visions could not only be realized but they could also keep costs under control. Following through on running their business as a passion project, the team — with its six versatile, sea-proven models already making waves — are planning to add others in the near future.

If a big, well-designed center console with the power you need for your kind of boating adventures is up on your radar screen, you should make sure the Front Runner 43 Cat is on your short list of must-see boats. Your visit and sea trial will be well worth your time.