I have been told that one should build the boat that best suits the nearest body of water—that’s the way to get the most use out of it. My closest body of water is a reservoir that limits powerboats to 10-hp engines, and on any given weekend sailboats, kayaks, and aluminum fishing boats abound, but there are no big powerboats. I didn’t take the advice and built a classic runabout with a 40 horsepower motor. The closest water without a horsepower limitation is at least an hour’s drive away, boat and trailer in tow. Seven years later, and now with a toddler in tow, it is nearly an all-day event to take the runabout out and we are using it less and less. I found myself longing for a vessel to take advantage of the manmade lake just 10 minutes from home, so I began searching for an outboard skiff design that could handle our family of three with 10 hp or less. I discovered that there are many choices among small power skiffs between 12′ and 17′, and just deciding what to build turned out to be quite the exercise. I wanted something that stood out and found what I was looking for in the Tango Skiff. The transom extensions flank the motor, supporting its otherwise cantilevered weight and bringing the Tango on plane faster.
Brad Boelke
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Beautiful boat. You can’t help checking out her rear as she goes by. Glad your health has returned. I had testicular cancer and I’m a little jealous I didn’t come up with that name for my own boat. Nothing like cancer to get you to see what’s important in life. Boats, mostly.
Thanks Torrey! Indeed!
What a great story. I lost my son to cancer last October—he was 38. We spent lots and lots of time crabbing in a 14′ utility skiff during his last summer on earth. The bond we enjoyed bloomed most fully during our crabbing ventures. It sounds as if your life became more meaningful with the building and bonding your boat afforded you.
Enjoy every day.
So sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Stories like yours are what motivates me to make every day count, Bob. Thank you.
That’s a fine-looking boat and I like how the weight and balance issue was addressed with the sponsons. Beautiful color choice too. Congrats!
Letting the side panels extend over bottom panels and filling is quite clever and the picture at lower speed shows how successful. Well done!
I’m not sure why if a 10hp was the desired motor, a Tango 14 wasn’t built. Garage space?
That is a beautiful looking boat! I’m thinking of attempting a build myself, and the Tango Skiff seems like a simple start for a boatbuilding newbie like me (but with some construction woodworking skills).
May I ask how much resin and fiberglass is used in construction? I’m trying to cost out the build with local suppliers. I’m based in Ireland.
I like that boat. I live in San Diego and wanted a basically a Super saltwater GHEENOE for tuna fishing out here local shore waters.
So I am between a panga and your design. Pangas in fiberglass are super heavy and big $$,so maybe your desighn is the ticket!
Can I get this plan in a longer model like 18′? Please let me know. What is the cost in $$ to build one, generally speaking?
Thanks,
Tim
Tim, I am not the designer, just happened to build the Tango 13 and wrote the article. Plans are available from 11′ to 17′ versions. They are great, lightweight boats. Visit http://www.tangoskiff.com for plans
Lindo barco …olhei vídeo dele em ação na água achei instável não sei se foi impressão minha …
Qual a altura da lateral dele ?
[Online translation from Portuguese: Beautiful boat … I watched a video of him in action on the water I found unstable I don’t know if it was my impression …
How tall is his side?]
I’ve got a 13′ Tango about to be flipped over in West Lafayette, Indiana. I came across the video and kept thinking how familiar everything looked, then I saw the IN [Indiana] number.
Your boat really sold me on the design. Nicely done! Maybe we can get a tandem Tango pic next year.
Would you do the 9.9 again? I’ve got to pull the trigger on an outboard soon.
Best,
Mitch
Hi Mitch. Sorry to just now see your message. Would love to get together. 6hp is enough. Not sure I would do the 9.9 again. Sometimes the power is nice to have but I don’t usually need it. Tough decision