Performance Boating’s Commander In Chief
 

Kennebunkport, ME: Fountain Powerboats President and CEO Reggie Fountain and Mercury Marine President Mark Schwabero made a special delivery on June 20 when they presented former President of the United States George Bush with the keys to his new Fountain 38’ Center Console powered by triple Mercury 300 hp Verado outboards.

“It’s a tremendous honor to continue our relationship with President Bush,” said Fountain. “He’s a true patriot and a great American.”

The 38’ Center Console named Fidelity IV is President Bush’s third Fountain. Previously, he had owned a 31’ Center Console with twin Mercury outboards, Fidelity II, followed by a 34’ Center Console with triple Mercury 275-hp Verado outboards, Fidelity III. The 41st president of the United States enjoys fishing for stripers and bluefish off the Maine coast and is frequently joined on outings by his son, President George W. Bush.

After Fountain, Schwabero and President Bush took a test ride in the Fidelity IV, the former commander in chief exclaimed that his new 38 is the best handling boat he’s ever been in and he’s not known for taking it easy when he’s on the water. Upon their return to the docks, the group enjoyed lunch at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport. The home has been in the family since the former president’s grandfather bought the property in 1895.

In addition to being the boat of choice for the former president, the Fountain 38 Center Console is the most successful hull on the Southern Kingfish Association and American Striper tournament trails. A boat identical to President Bush’s also recently established an endurance record from Hatteras, N.C., to New York Harbor, covering the 410 miles in 6 hours, 10 minutes, 8 seconds, averaging 64 mph and just under 1 mpg.