Build the Tango Skiff
©2012 Tango Plans LLC. All rights reserved.
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, $1500 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.
