Build the Tango Skiff
Build the Tango Skiff , (all versions) is an easy to follow manual showing what you'll need and how to build this unique boat. Plans are in 8.5" x 11" format for easy printimg.
Plans include dimensioned drawings (feet-inches) of each component as well as drawings showing how to lay each part out on a sheet of plywood (no lofting required).
Also included are step-by-step photos of the building and finishing process.
Tango Plans are available only in PDF format for easy downloading and printing.
(Sorry, paper copies not available.)
©2020 Tango Plans LLC. All rights reserved.
Tango 13
Tango 12
Download Plans for the Tango 14 - $29
Tango 14
Download Plans for the Tango 13 - $29
Tango 15 center console
Download Plans for the Tango 15 - $29
Download Plans for the Tango 16cc - $29
Tango 16 center console
Download Plans for the Tango 15cc - $29
Download Plans for the Tango 12 - $29
LOA: 15'-0"
Beam: 5'-4"
Weight: approx. 210 lbs
Capacity: 700 lbs. total
Power: 15 to 20 hp
Plywood: 7 sheets (4 X 3/8", 3 X 1/2")
Tango 17 center console
Download Plans for the Tango 17cc - $29
Questions/comments? You can reach me at tangoskiff@gmail.com
Tango 15
LOA: 12'-0"
Beam: 4'-0"
Weight: approx. 100 lbs
Capacity: 400 lbs. total
Power: up to 4 hp
Plywood: 4 sheets (3 X 1/4", 1 X 3/8")
LOA: 13'-0"
Beam: 4'-6"
Weight: approx. 130 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs. total
Power: up to 6 hp
Plywood: 5 sheets (3 X 1/4", 2 X 1/2")
*Includes plans for middle seat and open cockpit versions
*Includes plans for middle seat and open cockpit versions
LOA: 14'-0"
Beam: 5'-0"
Weight: approx. 170 lbs
Capacity: 600 lbs. total
Power: 8 to 10 hp
Plywood: 6 sheets (4 X 3/8", 2 X 1/2")
LOA: 15'-0"
Beam: 5'-4"
Weight: approx. 230 lbs
Capacity: 700 lbs. total
Power: 15 to 20hp
Plywood: 8 sheets (4 X 3/8", 4 X 1/2")
LOA: 16'-0"
Beam: 5'-8"
Weight: approx. 280 lbs
Capacity: 800 lbs. total
Power: 20 to 25 hp
Plywood: 9 sheets (5 X 3/8", 4 X 1/2")
LOA: 17'-0"
Beam: 6'-2"
Weight: approx. 360 lbs
Capacity: 900 lbs. total
Power: 25 to 30 hp
Plywood: 10 sheets (1/2")
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are metric plans available?
Unfortunately, metric plans are not available. All dimensions are in feet-inches.
Q: What kind of plywood should I use?
I recommend using Okoume plywood. It is light, strong, bends well and is easy to work with. If okoume is not available, my next choice would be Hydrotek or Aquatek. They're both a little heavier and stiffer than okoume but still capable of producing a nice boat. I would not recommend using Douglas Fir plywood. It is heavy, brittle, splinters easily, finishes poorly and has a tendency to develop surface cracks. Of course, there may be other types of plywood available to you locally that could work fine, just be sure you are using plywood made with waterproof glue.
Q: How much does it cost to build a Tango Skiff?
About 1/2 of the cost to build a Tango Skiff goes for plywood and the other half goes to epoxy, fiberglass cloth/tape and supplies and hardware including the hatches. Having a local sources for marine plywood can help keep the costs down.
In general, figure around $1200 for the Tango 12, $1400 for the Tango 13, $1600 for the Tango 14 and $1800 for the Tango 15. Of course, this does not include the motor. Also, if you add a steering console, plan on spending about $1000 on the hardware - steering helm and wheel, control box, conversion kit, cables, etc.
Q: How long does it take to build a Tango Skiff?
If you're working a couple hours at night and on weekends, you should be able to cut the parts and assemble the boat in about a month. Fiberglassing and finishing can take a couple more months or longer if you're a perfectionist. Generally though, these boats can be finished in 3 to 6 months.
Q: Can I put a 30hp motor on a 13 foot Tango?
No! The transom on each boat is sized to carry a certain size motor. The Tango 13 has a 3/4" thick transom while the Tango 14 has a 1" thick transom. Also, the smaller boats can't handle the speed of the larger boats because they are made from thinner plywood. So, stick to the recommended motor size.
Q: What shaft length should the motor be?
The 12, 13, & 14 foot Tango Skiffs are designed for short (15") shaft motors. The Tango 15 can accommodate a 15 or 20" shaft and the Tango 16 and 17 are designed for a 20" shaft.
Q: Can I change the seating arrangement?
Absolutely. Part of the fun of building your own boat is customizing it to suit your needs. However, there are some things to keep in mind. These boats are designed to have fore and aft water-tight compartments to provide flotation in case of a swamping. If you make changes, make sure you maintain sufficient flotation. Also, the seats in the Tango Skiffs work with the bulkheads to stiffen the hull. If you modify the seat and bulkhead arrangements, make sure you are providing enough structure to brace the sides and bottom to prevent flexing and oil-canning.
Q: I ordered the wrong set of plans. Can you send me a different set?
Uhh, no. Once you order and download a set of plans, I obviously can't take them back. However, you can order additional sets at a discount. Just let me know you ordered the wrong set and I will issue a $10 refund on the second set.
Warning
As small boats, the Tango Skiffs should be used in protected waters in favorable weather conditions. Do not overload or overpower them.
Proper use is the responsibility of the owner/builder.
