Little Harbor 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Little Harbor 44 originated from the design board of Ted Hood, a legendary yachtsman, sailmaker, and naval architect who founded Little Harbor Custom Yachts in 1959. Hood's brand became synonymous with high-quality, performance-oriented cruising yachts, often built in collaboration with overseas facilities in Japan, Holland, and later, Taiwan. The Little Harbor 44, specifically, began production in 1983, with the first hull reportedly being Ted Hood's personal vessel. Only 15 units of this model were built, making it a relatively rare and sought-after yacht.

Hood's design philosophy for Little Harbor yachts emphasized robust construction, comfortable accommodations, and the ability to be easily handled, even for short-handed sailing. The inclusion of a centerboard keel on the Little Harbor 44 is a testament to this versatility, allowing for both deeper draft for enhanced upwind performance and a shallower draft for exploring coastal areas and anchorages. While many Little Harbors featured center cockpits, the 44 was primarily an aft-cockpit cruiser, a design choice praised by some for its deck layout and ergonomics. Some models were equipped with a tall cutter rig, featuring a full-battened mainsail, furling genoa, and staysail, which further enhanced performance and provided flexible sail plans for various conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 44 is designed as a capable cruiser-racer, balancing performance with comfort. Its displacement of 32,500 pounds and a waterline length of 36.5 feet result in a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 298.37. This places the vessel firmly in the category of a medium-to-heavy displacement cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and the ability to carry stores for extended voyages, though it might not be a pure light-air flyer.

The sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at around 14.69, indicates a boat with moderate sail-carrying ability, performing steadily in various wind conditions rather than excelling in very light airs. However, its substantial ballast of 13,800 pounds, representing 42.46% of its total displacement, contributes significantly to its stiffness and stability. This high ballast-to-displacement ratio suggests that the Little Harbor 44 is a robust and stable platform, capable of standing up to considerable wind and providing a secure feel offshore.

A key characteristic of the Little Harbor 44's performance is its centerboard keel, which allows for a minimum draft of 5.0 feet and a maximum draft of 10.18 feet. This feature provides exceptional versatility, enabling access to shallow anchorages while offering improved upwind performance when the board is fully deployed. Owners often report that these vessels offer "exceptional performance, sea-kindliness, and a great turn of speed". The masthead sloop rig, often configured as a cutter with a furling genoa and staysail, allows for efficient sail handling and adaptability to different wind strengths.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom is not detailed, the Little Harbor 44 is generally recognized for its spacious and thoughtfully arranged accommodations, reflecting its blue water cruising intentions. The interior typically features a traditional layout designed for comfort during extended periods aboard. Descriptions and diagrams often show a cozy salon area, a well-equipped galley, and private sleeping cabins.

Common configurations include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, and either an aft cabin or quarter berth arrangements. The finish quality is consistently praised, with traditional wood trim and joinery contributing to a classic yacht ambiance. Owners appreciate the robust construction and attention to detail evident throughout the interior. Storage is generally ample, a crucial feature for a cruising yacht, and ventilation is typically achieved through numerous opening ports and overhead hatches. Many yachts of this era feature two cabins and two heads, providing comfortable living spaces for a crew or family.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Little Harbor 44 consistently praise its robust construction, excellent build quality, and comfortable motion in a seaway. The yacht's capability as a blue water cruiser and its overall seaworthiness are frequently highlighted. Many owners appreciate the combination of elegance, comfort, and speed that the design offers, making it suitable for both extended cruising and competitive sailing. The versatility provided by the centerboard keel is a recurrent point of satisfaction, allowing for a wider range of cruising grounds.

While the yachts are well-regarded, common topics among owners in forums often revolve around the maintenance of older systems and potential upgrades, as is typical for vessels of this vintage. For example, issues with original holding tanks or aging electrical systems might be mentioned, leading owners to undertake improvements to modernize their vessels. The enduring appeal of the Little Harbor 44 is a testament to its timeless design and the high standards of its builder, with many boats meticulously maintained and actively cruised by discerning enthusiasts today.