Little Harbor 53 CC Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Little Harbor 53 CC in 1985 marked a continuation of Ted Hood's vision for high-quality, semi-custom yachts that balanced performance with cruising amenity. Hood, a pioneering naval architect and accomplished yachtsman, established Little Harbor Custom Yachts in 1959, aiming to produce vessels with his deep understanding of sail and yacht performance. During the era of the 53 CC's production, Little Harbor Yachts had expanded its manufacturing to include facilities in Taiwan, where Hood cultivated strong relationships to bring his designs to fruition. The builder was known for its semi-custom approach, allowing owners a degree of personalization while maintaining the integrity of Hood's proven designs and a high standard of construction.

The design philosophy behind the Little Harbor 53 emphasized creating yachts that were robust and capable of blue water passages, yet also easily handled. The 53 CC, specifically, features an Airex cored hull and a Divinycell foam cored deck, with internal lead ballast, contributing to its solid and durable build. While the specifically references a Center Cockpit (CC) version, an aft cockpit version of the Little Harbor 53 was also available, offering variations to suit different owner preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 53 CC is designed as a capable cruiser, and her specifications translate into a balanced and stable sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.13, she exhibits moderate performance, suggesting she is not a pure light-air flyer but will perform competently across a range of wind conditions. Her high Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 41.6% points to significant stiffness and stability, indicating that she is well-equipped to stand up to more wind and maintain an upright position, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 257.48 places her in the moderate-heavy displacement category, reinforcing her design as a solid, traditional cruiser rather than a lightweight racer.

A key feature enhancing her sailing characteristics is her keel/centerboard configuration. This design allows for a shallow draft of 5.5 feet for accessing shallower anchorages, which can be extended to an impressive 11.5 feet with the centerboard fully lowered, significantly improving upwind performance. The Little Harbor 53's low wetted surface hull, combined with a high-aspect sail plan, allows her to be easily driven even in light winds. Owners frequently praise the build quality and inherent seaworthiness of Little Harbors, and the 53 CC is no exception, known for its solid construction and reliable handling in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications were tailored to individual owner requirements, the Little Harbor 53 CC is celebrated for its generous accommodations, which are a hallmark of Ted Hood's design philosophy emphasizing cruising comfort. The yacht's substantial beam and thoughtful hull design result in an interior that provides exceptional living space and storage, often feeling larger than its 52.67-foot length overall suggests.

Typical interior layouts for the Little Harbor 53 CC generally feature a spacious main salon, often with a large dining area, a well-appointed galley designed for offshore cooking, and comfortable sleeping berths. Given its center cockpit configuration, there is typically a private aft cabin, often serving as the owner's suite, which may include an en-suite head. The forward section usually houses additional cabins, often a V-berth, and another head. The finish quality is consistently high, characterized by the extensive use of wood trim and robust joinery, reflecting the semi-custom, premium nature of Little Harbor yachts. Ample storage throughout the vessel and well-planned ventilation systems contribute to her suitability for extended cruising and liveaboard comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Little Harbor 53 CC consistently praise the yacht's robust construction and her ability to provide a comfortable motion even in challenging sea conditions, a testament to Ted Hood's emphasis on seaworthiness. The build quality and enduring seaworthiness of these vessels are well-regarded, with many examples on the brokerage market having undergone significant upgrades and remaining meticulously maintained. Owners frequently highlight the spacious interior, which offers ample living space and storage for long-term cruising or liveaboard situations. The versatility provided by the centerboard keel, allowing both shallow-water access and enhanced upwind performance, is also a highly valued feature. The active community of Little Harbor enthusiasts further attests to the enduring appeal and quality of these classic yachts, which continue to be cherished by discerning individuals seeking a well-engineered, capable, and comfortable cruising vessel with a distinguished pedigree.