For decades, the name Little Harbor Yachts stood as a beacon of quality and custom craftsmanship in the marine industry. Founded by the legendary yachtsman and naval architect Ted Hood, the brand became synonymous with high-performance yet comfortable sailing and power yachts, leaving an indelible mark on the world of blue water cruising.
The Origin Story
Little Harbor Custom Yachts was founded by Frederick Emmart "Ted" Hood in 1959. Hood was not only a gifted naval architect but also an accomplished yachtsman and a pioneering inventor. He established Hood Sails in Marblehead, Massachusetts, which grew to become the world's largest sailmaker from the 1960s through the mid-1980s. His innovative spirit led him to be the first sailmaker to weave his own Dacron cloth and to develop early designs for grooved headstays and jib roller furling systems. This deep understanding of sails and yacht performance laid the foundation for his venture into boat building.
From the outset, Hood's vision for Little Harbor was to produce high-quality yachts, designed with both performance and cruising comfort in mind. The earliest Little Harbor yachts were built in Japan as far back as 1959, demonstrating Hood's international approach from the brand's inception.
History and Evolution
The history of Little Harbor Yachts is characterized by an evolution in manufacturing locations and a consistent commitment to Ted Hood's design principles. After initial production in Japan, the construction of Little Harbor yachts expanded to include yards in Holland, notably with Franz Maas, and later, significantly, in Taiwan. Ted Hood cultivated strong relationships with these overseas facilities, which were instrumental in bringing his designs to life. Eventually, Hood established his own manufacturing yard in Taiwan, further integrating design with production.
Throughout its operational years, Little Harbor Yachts developed a reputation for building semi-custom vessels, allowing owners a degree of personalization while maintaining the integrity of Hood's proven designs. The company grew steadily, producing approximately 200 boats ranging from 35 to 100 feet in length. A significant corporate change occurred in 1999 when Little Harbor Custom Yachts was sold to Hinckley Yachts. Following this acquisition, the Little Harbor brand was retired not long afterward, marking the end of new boat production under that specific name.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Little Harbor Yachts carved out a distinctive reputation in the sailing world for producing premium sailing yachts recognized for their exceptional quality and cruising capabilities. The brand was known for its semi-custom approach, which allowed for variations in detail across individual yachts, making each vessel unique while adhering to a high standard of construction.
At the core of Little Harbor's identity was Ted Hood's naval architecture. His designs often focused on creating yachts that were robust and capable of blue water passages, yet also easily handled, even for short-handed sailing. Hood's innovative mindset, evident in his sailmaking and hardware developments, translated directly into his yacht designs, which often incorporated practical and performance-enhancing features. While Ted Hood himself was the primary naval architect behind Little Harbor, his extensive knowledge and collaboration with various builders ensured his design philosophy was consistently applied.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Little Harbor Yachts produced a range of significant and successful models that continue to be highly regarded in the brokerage market today. Among the most popular and recognized include sailing yachts such as the Little Harbor 50, 51 Pilothouse, 53, and the Little Harbor 44. These models, often characterized as blue water cruisers, were celebrated for their solid construction and comfortable accommodations.
Beyond sailboats, Little Harbor also ventured into power yachts, producing models like the WhisperJet 44 and WhisperJet 55, showcasing the builder's versatility. These motor yachts, cruisers, and convertibles further cemented Little Harbor's standing in the broader marine market. While specific production numbers for each model vary, the overall output of around 200 yachts attests to the brand's boutique, quality-focused approach rather than mass production.
Though the Little Harbor brand itself is no longer actively producing new vessels, its legacy endures through its fleet of well-built, enduring yachts that remain popular on the used boat market.
The Builder Today
As of today, the Little Harbor Yachts brand is no longer in active production, having been retired after its acquisition by Hinckley Yachts in 1999. However, the influence of Ted Hood and the quality of Little Harbor boats persist. Ted Hood continued his design work independently with Ted Hood Yachts, LLC, and some of his designs are reportedly still produced in China.
The ownership experience for a Little Harbor yacht today revolves around a vibrant community of enthusiasts who cherish these classic vessels. Many Little Harbor yachts are meticulously maintained and actively cruised, a testament to their original build quality and timeless designs. These boats appeal to discerning individuals who seek a well-engineered, capable, and comfortable yacht with a distinguished pedigree, valuing the heritage of Ted Hood's design genius. The active presence of Little Harbor boats on yacht brokerage sites reflects the enduring appeal and continued demand for these iconic vessels.
