Full size Fifies were either gaff or schooner rigged.   The boats that sailed out of Peterhead to fish for herring were generally gaff rigged,  this being a powerful but difficult to handle sail arrangement.   Tacking a Fifie with a twin gaff rig was an arduous task.

Fifies working in and around Shetland tended to be schooner rigged because it was an easier rig to handle particularly in the Shetland sounds where sea room is restricted.  Schooner rigs were also used while fishing inshore at the lines in winter near Peterhead.    Fewer men were required to handle the schooner rig.

3 foot and 4 foot long model Fifies are sailed today at Buchaness RYC.