Dispatches George H.W. Bush and his new go-fast fish boat
George H.W. Bush and his new go-fast fish boat
Former President George H.W. Bush, whose 38-foot Fountain center console grounded during the summer, recently took delivery of a new boat.
Fidelity IV ran aground July 12 on Gooch's Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine. The 86-year-old Bush was returning to the Kennebunk River in heavy fog with several family members aboard when the boat grounded about 3 p.m., according to local media reports, which did not indicate who was at the helm. No one was injured, but the boat reportedly had minor damage.
Bush's new boat, Fidelity V, is a Fountain 38CC. With its triple 300-hp Mercury Verado 4-strokes, the high-performance center console can reach 75 mph. Bush will use the boat to fish for striped bass and bluefish off Maine.
"I value my time on the water in one of our nation's great coastal fisheries, and over the years my dependable, Mercury-powered Fountain powerboats have brought my family and I countless hours of enjoyment," Bush says in a statement.
Along with the keys to Fidelity V, Fountain founder and president Reggie Fountain presented Bush with a lifetime membership in the American Striper Association.
"I am honored to have President Bush as a repeat customer and a longtime friend," Fountain says. "We are proud to say that the commander in chief chooses a Mercury-powered Fountain."
Also in this issue
E15: What does it mean for boats
John Kerry...........are you listening?