The FIFIE was built as a wooden double-ended drift net fishing boat special for herring on the Scottish east coast, she were built until 1912 and motorized versions were still used till the 1950.
There are a few surviving examples of this type still in existence.
The type was also used from the west coast ports of Scotland.
First clinker built till the end of the 19th century, then carvel.
No set design but characteristically stem end sternpost near vertical; deep forefoot; long keel; hollow rising flours. Some fine-bodied with full sections; others sharp, often fuller at the stern; flat sheer; some steep-floored; bilge keel.
Open or half decked until mid-1800, then generally fully decked with a long hatch amidships and crew’s cabins aft, low bulwarks.
Steered with a horizontal wheel. Steam capstan hoisted sails and hauled the drift nets; a handwinch aided in lowering and raising the mainmast.
Colorfully painted and scrolls and emblems decorated the bows.
In generally, the dipping lug foresail was tall high-peaked and bent to a heavy yard; standing lug mizzen sheeted to an outrigger, size varying with weather conditions.
Heavy foremast stepped into tabernacle, crutch aft of mizzenmast held the lowered foremast; masts may rake forward. Jib sometimes set to a long running bowsprit.
Oars used in calms or to clear the harbour.
Crew 5 – 8 men.
1850 Length 7.6-10.9m., length increased to 13-22 meter by the late 19th century, e.g. length overall 15.2m, beam 4.88m, and dept of hold 2.13m.
Netherlands Antilles 2009 500c sg?, scott?
Source: Aak to Zumbra, A Dictionary of the World’s watercraft.