Little Harbor 58 Information, Review, Specs

The Little Harbor 58 began production in 1989, emerging from the esteemed Little Harbor Yachts shipyard, founded by Ted Hood himself in 1959. Hood's design philosophy, deeply rooted in his extensive experience as a sailmaker and yachtsman, focused on creating vessels that offered a blend of performance and cruising comfort, capable of blue water passages while remaining easily handled, even for short-handed sailing. Little Harbor yachts were renowned for their semi-custom approach, allowing owners a degree of personalization while upholding Hood's proven designs and a high standard of construction.

The construction of Little Harbor yachts, including the 58, often took place in overseas facilities in Holland and Taiwan, where Ted Hood cultivated strong relationships, eventually establishing his own manufacturing yard in Taiwan. This era of Little Harbor production was characterized by a meticulous build quality and an integration of innovative features, reflecting Hood's pioneering spirit in yacht design. Notably, some versions of the Little Harbor 58 saw slight variations, with certain hulls being stretched by approximately one foot to create a larger aft deck, sometimes referred to as a "Little Harbor 58/60" or "Little Harbor 59".

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 58 is characterized by a displacement of 66,000 pounds and a length at the waterline of 47.75 feet. This results in a Displacement to Length Ratio of approximately 271, placing her in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, indicative of a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a lightweight racer. Her generous ballast of 19,000 pounds, contributing to a Ballast to Displacement Ratio of around 28.7%, provides a solid foundation for stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze.

A key design feature of the Little Harbor 58 is her keel/centerboard configuration. With a minimum draft of 5.17 feet, which can be extended to a maximum of 12.0 feet with the centerboard deployed, she offers exceptional versatility. This allows access to shallower anchorages and coastal waters while providing enhanced performance and stability on offshore passages. The masthead sloop rig is known for its simplicity and efficiency. While specific sail area figures for calculating the Sail Area to Displacement Ratio are not universally published for this model, Ted Hood's designs typically prioritized a balanced sail plan for comfortable and efficient cruising. Owners frequently describe the Little Harbor 58 as an easily handled vessel, responsive and well-mannered, a hallmark of Hood's emphasis on short-handed sailing capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Little Harbor 58 is designed for luxurious and comfortable extended cruising, offering substantial living spaces befitting a yacht of her size. Common configurations include a spacious three-cabin, three-head layout, which makes her well-suited for liveaboard cruising or hosting guests.

The general arrangement typically features a large main salon, often with a U-shaped dining area to port and a varnished teak dining table that may include elegant details like marble inlay. The galley is usually well-equipped and designed for functionality at sea. Accommodations typically include a V-berth forward, a master cabin, and guest cabins, all designed to offer privacy and comfort. Owners describe the interiors as having a "modern interior design" for their era, characterized by high-quality finishes, ample wood trim, and thoughtful detailing that reflect Little Harbor's semi-custom approach and commitment to premium quality. Storage is typically generous throughout, and attention is paid to ventilation, ensuring comfort in various climates. The innovative deck layout often includes two cockpits, enhancing both functionality and leisure space on deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Little Harbor 58 consistently praise its solid construction and the overall quality of its build, which contribute to its enduring appeal on the brokerage market. Many boats are meticulously maintained, showcasing the dedication of their owners and the inherent value of the Ted Hood design. The 58 is frequently highlighted as an excellent choice for liveaboard cruising, with its spacious and well-appointed accommodations providing a comfortable home at sea. The "whale bottom" shoal-draft design with a centerboard is also appreciated for its ability to access shallow waters, offering cruising flexibility without compromising offshore capability. Owners often commend the yacht's ability to be easily single-handed, a testament to Ted Hood's design philosophy of creating capable yet manageable blue water cruisers. The Little Harbor 58's reputation for being a "classic beauty" in superior condition underscores its status as a highly regarded vessel in the sailing community.