Former President George H.W. Bush's iconic speedboat, the 38-foot “Fidelity V,” has found a new owner after being auctioned off for $435,000. The auction took place during the George and Barbara Bush Foundation’s 2024 Presidential Salute event, which aimed to benefit the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, as well as The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
The auction, held in Houston, attracted a number of the late president's friends and supporters, including notable figures such as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning. The buyer of the speedboat chose to remain anonymous, leaving uncertainty about the vessel's future plans.
The “Fidelity V” is equipped with a presidential seal and features three engines with a combined 900 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 75 mph (120 kph). The speedboat was primarily used in the waters off Kennebunkport, Maine, where the Bush family has a summer retreat.
This particular speedboat is the fifth in a series of vessels owned by George H.W. Bush to bear the name Fidelity. The 2011-model Fountain 38CC was acquired after both George H.W. Bush and his son, former President George W. Bush, had completed their terms in office. One of the earlier Fidelity boats is currently on display at the Bush library and museum, while another remains in service in Kennebunkport.
George H.W. Bush, who passed away in 2018, had a deep connection to his speedboats, using them to enjoy leisure time and create lasting memories with his family and friends. The auction of the “Fidelity V” raised over $1 million in total, contributing to the ongoing legacy of the late president and supporting educational initiatives at Texas A&M University.
