Fifie

While the boats varied in design, they can be categorised by their vertical stem and stern, their long straight keel and wide beam.

These attributes made the Fifies very stable in the water and allowed them to carry a very large set of sails.

[1] The masts were positioned far forward and aft on the boat to give the maximum clear working space amidships.

From about 1905 onwards sailing Fifies were gradually fitted with engines and converted to motorised vessels.

The Scottish Fisheries Museum based in Anstruther, Fife has restored and still sails a classic example of this type of vessel named the Reaper.