Little Harbor 46 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Little Harbor 46 is deeply rooted in the legacy of Ted Hood, the legendary yachtsman and naval architect who founded Little Harbor Custom Yachts in 1959. Hood's innovative spirit, honed through his pioneering work in sailmaking and yacht hardware, translated directly into his boat designs. Little Harbor Yachts built the 46, like other models, on a semi-custom basis, allowing for a degree of personalization while upholding Hood's exacting standards for quality and design integrity. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized producing yachts that were robust, capable of blue water passages, and easily handled, even for short-handed sailing.

The production run for the Little Harbor 46 spanned from 1986 to 1992. Hood's design philosophy for Little Harbor yachts often incorporated features such as shallow draft, wide beams, and deep centerboard designs, which contributed to both racing success and strong performance characteristics. A notable aspect of the Little Harbor 46's design flexibility was its availability in both center cockpit and aft cockpit configurations, offering owners choices based on their cruising preferences. It was also offered with a ketch rig option, further enhancing its versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 46's design ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics, highlighting its suitability as a robust blue water cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.0, the 46 is expected to exhibit good performance in lighter air, allowing for respectable speeds even when the wind is not strong. Its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of about 42.5% indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining its sail plan in challenging conditions.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, at roughly 668, places the Little Harbor 46 firmly in the heavy displacement category. This heavy build suggests a powerful and comfortable motion through a seaway, prioritizing strength and offshore capability over extreme light-air speed. Owners and reviewers note the on-deck layout is well-suited for offshore sailing, featuring secure teak-overlaid decks, a large unobstructed foredeck, and substantial teak toe rails, all contributing to safe and confident handling. Overall, the Little Harbor 46 is regarded as a high-quality blue water cruiser, known for its ability to handle demanding conditions while providing a comfortable ride.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for each Little Harbor 46 can vary due to the semi-custom nature of their build, the general layout adheres to a proven cruising standard. Descriptions suggest a typical arrangement featuring a V-berth cabin forward, followed by a head, a comfortable salon, and a well-appointed galley. The availability of both center cockpit and aft cockpit versions would naturally influence the layout of the main salon and aft cabin, with center cockpit models often providing a more expansive aft stateroom.

The construction quality of Little Harbor yachts is widely praised, and this extends to the interior. Owners often maintain these vessels meticulously, sometimes refurbishing interior elements like floorboards, underscoring the enduring quality of the original materials and craftsmanship. The emphasis on cruising comfort implies good ventilation, ample storage, and high-quality finishes throughout the living spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Little Harbor 46 for its solid construction, seaworthy performance, and comfortable motion offshore. Many vessels have been diligently loved, maintained, and upgraded over the years, a testament to the enduring appeal and quality of Ted Hood's design. The Little Harbor 46 is frequently described as a "phenomenal representation" of a highly desirable Ted Hood design, affirming its esteemed position in the cruising community. Owners appreciate its capability as a high-quality blue water cruiser, often equipped with an abundance of gear to support extended voyages. The semi-custom aspect means each boat often possesses unique features, adding to their individual charm and utility for their owners.