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Fife
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a 12' rowing boat
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Build in STITCH and GLUE PLYWOOD
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Characteristics
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Length overall
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12'-0"
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Beam
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3'-8"
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Depth amidships (approx.)
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13"
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Depth at bow
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19 1/2"
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Weight (approx)
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100 lbs.
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Hull type: Flat bottom with fore and aft rocker,
multi-chine sides, designed for Stitch and Glue
construction.
Power: Oars or small trolling motor.
Can the hull be extended or shortened? No. We also do
not recommend increasing the beam.
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The design criteria for the 12' FIFE was that it could be
carried, easily rowed, carry three people, and be stable. FIFE
is lightweight (the test model weighed only 98 lbs. including
fiberglass), with a wide bottom for stability and to maximize
bouyancy. The hull depth was kept to 13" to minimize
windage. The rounded sides and tumblehome make this a very stiff
boat even using light weight 4mm material on the sides.
Most small boats designed for serious rowing tend to feel
"tippy". The wide bottom on the FIFE makes her
remarkably stable. People who normally feel unconfortable in
small boats will find FIFE comforting. The skeg allows her to
row true even with an inexperienced oarsman. Her ample
watertight storage under the fore and aft seats provide room for
extra clothing or picnic supplies.
The waterline is at 3" with a 130 lb. load; 3 1/2"
with 190 lbs., 5" with 395 lbs., 6" with 540 lbs.
Plenty of capacity for you, a friend, and a hefty picnic
basket.
With two sets of movable oar lock sockets, the rower's seat
allows the oarsman to change position with different passenger
weights or when a passenger sits in the comfortable stern seat.
Viewed from aft, she has a traditional "wine glass"
stern. The lines guarantee that anywhere FIFE goes, she will get
many more than a second glance.
Performance report: An inexperienced oarsman rowed one
passenger around the harbor for over 2 1/2 hours without
fatigue. There seemed to be little additional effort required
with two passengers. With two passengers, the oarsman used the
aft oar locks, allowing the forward passenter to sit on the
front of the rower's seat and face forward.
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