Little Harbor 37 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Little Harbor 37 traces back to 1965, the year its production commenced. This period marked a significant phase for Little Harbor Yachts, a company founded by Ted Hood in 1959. Hood, a pioneering inventor and accomplished yachtsman, initially established Hood Sails before venturing into boat building with a clear philosophy: to produce high-quality yachts that balanced performance with cruising comfort. The earliest Little Harbor yachts, including the 37, were built in various international locations, with some of the Hood 37 (Little Harbor 37) models specifically constructed in Taiwan.

Ted Hood's design ethos for Little Harbor vessels, which undoubtedly influenced the 37, centered on creating robust and easily handled yachts capable of blue water passages. The keel/centerboard hull type, a defining feature of the Little Harbor 37, is a testament to this philosophy, offering both stability and the versatility of a shallow draft when the centerboard is retracted. While details on specific variations like MkI or MkII for the Little Harbor 37 are not widely documented, Little Harbor Yachts was known for its semi-custom approach, allowing a degree of owner personalization that resulted in subtle variations across individual yachts, while maintaining the integrity of Hood's proven designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 37, a masthead sloop with a reported sail area of 618 square feet, is characterized by its heavy displacement and robust build. With a displacement of 19,064 pounds and a relatively low sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 13.86, she is not designed as a light-air flyer but is expected to perform powerfully and remain stable in a good breeze. Her displacement to length ratio, a substantial 507.7, further underscores her identity as a heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing comfort and seakindliness over outright speed.

The ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.257, suggests she might be somewhat tender initially. However, the inherent form stability provided by her heavy hull design, combined with the versatility of her keel/centerboard configuration, contributes to a stable and predictable motion in varying sea states. As an "open water cruiser," she is designed to handle offshore conditions competently. Owners of Little Harbor models, generally, commend their yachts for "reasonably good performance" and "high build quality," which likely translates to the 37 offering a reassuring and capable sailing experience for its class.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Little Harbor 37 are not extensively documented in available public records, the general reputation of Little Harbor Yachts provides insight into its accommodations. Little Harbor boats are celebrated for their "quality classic features" and "comfortable accommodations," consistent with their blue water cruising aspirations 2, 3, Builder Article. Typically, a sailboat of this size and era designed for cruising would feature a layout that prioritizes liveability and functionality for extended periods offshore.

One can generally expect a Little Harbor 37 to offer a traditional interior arrangement. This would likely include a V-berth forward, providing a private sleeping area. A main salon would typically feature settees that convert to berths, often with a folding table for dining. A compact but functional galley, equipped for preparing meals at sea, would usually be situated to one side, while a navigation station might be opposite. A dedicated head compartment with a marine toilet and sink would be standard. Quarter berths aft are also a common feature in cruisers of this size, offering additional sleeping capacity or storage. Given the brand's emphasis on quality, the interior would likely feature durable materials, well-executed joinery, and practical storage solutions, contributing to a comfortable and enduring cruising environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Little Harbor yachts, and by extension the Little Harbor 37, consistently express appreciation for the brand's commitment to "high build quality" and "solid construction". These vessels are often described as capable and comfortable, particularly for blue water passages, a testament to Ted Hood's design philosophy of creating robust and easily handled yachts. The enduring appeal of Little Harbor boats on the used market, where they are often meticulously maintained, further highlights their lasting value and the satisfaction of their owners. While specific common problems for the Little Harbor 37 are not frequently cited, the overall consensus among owners of the brand is one of loyalty and satisfaction with a well-engineered and capable yacht.