Little Harbor 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Little Harbor 50 commenced in 1982, marking its entry into an era where Ted Hood's influence on yacht design was at its zenith. From the outset, Hood's vision for Little Harbor yachts, including the 50, was to strike a harmonious balance between performance and cruising comfort. This commitment translated into robust designs capable of blue water passages, yet engineered to be easily handled, even for short-handed sailing. The semi-custom nature of Little Harbor construction meant that while a core design existed, individual vessels often featured variations tailored to their owners' preferences, ensuring a unique yacht while maintaining Hood's high standards of quality and design integrity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 50 is characterized by a design that prioritizes stability, comfort, and capable offshore performance. With a displacement of 43,200 pounds and a waterline length of 42.17 feet, she falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a substantial and comfortable motion through a seaway. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 41.6% (18,000 lbs ballast in 43,200 lbs displacement) indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling.

While not a pure racer, her sail area to displacement ratio of around 16.2 suggests a yacht with respectable performance in various wind conditions, balancing speed with ease of handling. Descriptions from owners and reviews often highlight her "Performance Easy" characteristics, affirming that she is an exceptional sailing yacht despite her heavy displacement. The combination of Ted Hood's design expertise and the boat's inherent stability makes the Little Harbor 50 a confident and capable vessel for extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Little Harbor 50 is consistently praised for its magnificent fit-out and overall beauty, reflecting the brand's commitment to luxury and custom craftsmanship. While specific layouts may vary due to the semi-custom build process, these yachts typically feature an intelligently arranged interior designed for comfort and extended living aboard. Common amenities found include a spacious salon, a well-appointed galley, private sleeping cabins such as a V-berth forward, and often a comfortable aft cabin, providing ample space for owners and guests. The use of plush materials, such as leather upholstery on a gimballed dining table, signifies a high-quality finish throughout the interior. Storage is generally generous, essential for a blue water cruiser, and ventilation is typically well-considered to ensure comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Little Harbor 50 consistently praise the exceptional build quality and solid construction of these Ted Hood-designed yachts. They are frequently lauded for their comfortable motion in a seaway, a testament to their robust blue water cruising capabilities. Many owners describe their Little Harbor 50s as timeless classics that are meticulously maintained, often in "showroom condition," reflecting the enduring appeal and intrinsic value of these well-engineered vessels. The strong community of Little Harbor enthusiasts further underscores the lasting appreciation for these iconic cruisers.