Little Harbor 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Little Harbor 42 emerged from a period when Little Harbor Yachts, under Ted Hood's leadership, had established a strong reputation for producing semi-custom vessels known for their quality and thoughtful design. Production of the Little Harbor 42 spanned a brief period from 1987 to 1989. Ted Hood's overarching design philosophy for Little Harbor yachts centered on creating robust, capable vessels suitable for blue water passages, while simultaneously ensuring they were manageable and comfortable for cruising, 9, 18]. His innovative spirit, honed through his pioneering work in sailmaking, translated directly into his yacht designs, which often incorporated practical and performance-enhancing features.

A defining characteristic of the Little Harbor 42, typical of many Hood designs, is its keel/centerboard hull type. This innovative system allows for a shallow minimum draft of 4.67 feet, ideal for exploring shallower anchorages, while the ability to deploy the centerboard extends the maximum draft to 10.0 feet, significantly enhancing upwind performance and stability in open water. This versatility was a hallmark of Hood's approach, combining the benefits of a shallow draft cruiser with the performance of a deeper keel. Little Harbor Yachts maintained a commitment to high-quality construction, often utilizing overseas facilities in Japan, Holland, and Taiwan, which were instrumental in bringing Hood's designs to life with a semi-custom approach that allowed for owner personalization, 17].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 42's design ratios reveal a vessel built for comfortable, stable cruising with capable, rather than blistering, performance. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 301, she falls firmly into the category of a heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly motion even in challenging conditions. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 15.6 indicates moderate sail power, meaning she is likely to be steady and powerful in a breeze, though perhaps requiring more wind to achieve significant speeds in lighter airs. This combination points to a boat that prioritizes comfort and stability over outright speed.

Further contributing to her stable nature is a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40 percent, demonstrating a substantial amount of ballast effectively placed to ensure stiffness and an ability to stand up to a strong wind. Owners and reviews generally laud Little Harbor yachts for their excellent sailing performance and comfortable cruising capabilities. The design, including its keel/centerboard configuration, contributes to a balanced helm and predictable handling characteristics, making her well-suited for extended voyages and short-handed operation.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Little Harbor 42 are not detailed in the provided specifications, the reputation of Little Harbor Yachts for luxurious and comfortable accommodations suggests a well-appointed interior. Owners can expect a beautiful teak interior, a hallmark of the brand's quality craftsmanship. The layout typically accommodates up to six guests across two staterooms, featuring versatile slide-out settees in the main salon that contribute to flexible sleeping arrangements.

General descriptions of Little Harbor yacht interiors emphasize a high standard of finish quality, with extensive use of rich wood trim, ample storage, and good ventilation to ensure comfort during extended periods aboard. The aft cockpit configuration suggests a thoughtful division between the on-deck sailing functions and the living spaces below, providing a secure and comfortable area for guests and crew.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Little Harbor yachts consistently praise their solid construction, high build quality, and attractive lines. The Little Harbor 42, in particular, is regarded as a dependable blue water cruiser designed to offer years of luxury and adventure on the water. These vessels are frequently described as robust and capable, appealing to discerning individuals who appreciate well-engineered yachts with a distinguished pedigree. While specific recurring issues for the Little Harbor 42 are not widely documented in available public forums, the enduring popularity of Little Harbor boats on the used market, often meticulously maintained and actively cruised, stands as a testament to their original quality and timeless design.