Little Harbor 51 Information, Review, Specs

The Little Harbor 51 began production in 1990, emerging from the builder's yards, notably those in Taiwan, which Ted Hood himself had established and cultivated strong relationships with. Consistent with Little Harbor's manufacturing ethos, the 51 was offered as a semi-custom yacht, allowing owners significant input into their vessel's final details while maintaining the integrity of Hood's proven designs. Ted Hood's design philosophy centered on creating yachts that were not only robust and capable of demanding blue water passages but also easily handled, even for short-handed sailing.

The Little Harbor 51 showcases a distinctive Ted Hood hull shape, characterized by a centerboard, deep garboards, and an exaggerated rocker. This design allows for a versatile draft, ranging from a shoal 4.58 feet with the centerboard up to a substantial 11.75 feet when deployed, a practical feature for accessing shallow anchorages while maintaining offshore performance. While the specific production end year is not detailed, the Little Harbor brand was acquired by Hinckley Yachts in 1999 and subsequently retired, indicating the 51's production ceased sometime in the late 1990s. A notable variation within the model line is the pilothouse version, which offers enhanced protection and visibility from an enclosed steering station, along with a secure cockpit.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 51's design exhibits characteristics indicative of a capable blue water cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.19, she suggests a design balanced for a range of conditions, leaning towards solid performance in moderate to heavier air rather than being a dedicated light-wind flyer. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio, calculated at around 0.393, indicates good stiffness and stability, enabling the yacht to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain an upright stance. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 296.26 places the Little Harbor 51 firmly in the category of heavier, more traditional cruisers, promising a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Despite its robust build, the Little Harbor 51 is noted for its good handling characteristics. Some designs, particularly the pilothouse versions, feature a high-aspect sail plan, which contributes to superior light-air performance. The combination of a substantial hull, generous sail area, and the innovative centerboard system allows the 51 to deliver a balanced and predictable sailing experience, appealing to those who value comfort and capability over outright racing speed.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior dimensions are not fully specified in raw data, the Little Harbor 51 is renowned for its spacious and well-appointed accommodations, reflecting the builder's semi-custom approach and the use of rich hardwoods. Owners often had the flexibility to influence their vessel's interior layout, leading to variations in specific arrangements.

Typically, the Little Harbor 51 features a two-stateroom, two-head configuration, providing ample comfort and privacy for both owners and guests. The owner's stateroom is commonly located forward and includes a large U-berth. A guest stateroom is often positioned to port, offering generous upper and lower berths that are practical and secure as sea berths during offshore passages. The pilothouse models, in particular, integrate the interior living space with a protected helm station, providing excellent visibility and a secure, comfortable environment in various weather conditions. Overall, the interior finish quality is high, characterized by ample storage and a thoughtful layout designed for extended cruising comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently laud the Little Harbor 51 for its solid construction and the enduring quality of its build, a hallmark of Ted Hood's designs and Little Harbor Yachts. These vessels are frequently found to be meticulously maintained and actively cruised, a testament to their original craftsmanship and timeless appeal. The Little Harbor 51 is cherished by its owners for its well-engineered systems, capable performance, and the comfortable, distinguished pedigree it carries. Its continued presence and demand on the used yacht market underscore its enduring appeal to discerning individuals seeking a capable and comfortable blue water cruising yacht. Specific recurring weaknesses or widespread common issues are not prominently reported in general owner feedback, reinforcing the boat's reputation for robust and reliable construction.