Little Harbor 60 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Little Harbor Yachts, a company synonymous with custom craftsmanship and innovative design, the Little Harbor 60 represents a pinnacle of their semi-custom production.

The Little Harbor 60 began its production run in 1995. It emerged from the design philosophy of Ted Hood, who founded Little Harbor Custom Yachts in 1959 with a vision to create high-quality yachts blending performance with cruising comfort. Hood's deep understanding of sails and yacht performance, stemming from his pioneering work in sailmaking, directly influenced his boat designs. His designs consistently focused on building yachts that were robust and capable of blue water passages, yet also easily handled, even for short-handed sailing.

A defining feature of many Ted Hood designs, and central to the Little Harbor 60, is the innovative keel/centerboard hull type [2,. This allows for a shallow minimum draft of 6 feet, providing access to shallower anchorages and harbors, while extending to a substantial 11.92 feet with the board down for enhanced upwind performance and stability. This versatile design approach was a hallmark of Hood's work, enabling yachts like the Little Harbor 60 to perform admirably across a wide range of conditions and cruising grounds. Given Little Harbor's semi-custom building approach, individual boats within the production run often featured variations tailored to owner specifications, rather than distinct "Mark" versions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 60 is celebrated for its excellent sailing performance. With a reported sail area of 1,505 square feet [2, and a displacement of 70,500 pounds, the boat exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.7. While this suggests a moderate performer, the cutter rig provides flexibility for various wind conditions, allowing for effective sail management in both light and heavy airs.

Her ballast-to-displacement ratio, at approximately 0.32 (23,000 lbs ballast / 70,500 lbs displacement), indicates a solid and stable platform, capable of standing up to a good breeze. This substantial ballast, combined with a robust fiberglass solid hull, contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a characteristic highly valued in blue water cruisers. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio for the Little Harbor 60 is around 295, placing it firmly in the category of a moderately heavy displacement cruiser. This translates to a yacht that prioritizes comfort and offshore capability over extreme light-air speed, offering a steady and secure ride. Owners can anticipate an exhilarating sailing experience from the helm due to the boat's design.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Little Harbor 60 is designed for luxurious accommodations, reflecting the brand's premium standing. The general finish quality is high, often featuring an elegant varnished American Cherry interior with matte-finished teak flooring. The typical layout provides substantial living space, usually incorporating three private staterooms, each equipped with its own head, ensuring privacy and comfort for owners and guests.

Beyond the sleeping quarters, the main salon offers generous space for dining and relaxation. While specific headroom figures are not always listed, yachts of this size generally provide ample standing room throughout the main living areas. The design often includes a well-appointed galley for extended cruising, and storage is typically abundant, catering to the needs of long-distance voyaging. Ventilation is generally managed through a combination of opening ports and hatches, contributing to a comfortable interior environment. The deck layouts are described as tidy, further enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Little Harbor yachts, including the 60, consistently praise their solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, often describing them as well-engineered, capable, and comfortable vessels with a distinguished pedigree. The enduring appeal and continued demand for these yachts on the used boat market reflect their original build quality and timeless designs. While specific common issues for the Little Harbor 60 are not widely reported in public forums, the general consensus among Little Harbor owners points to a high level of satisfaction with their boats' blue water cruising capabilities and overall robustness. Yachts of this caliber require diligent maintenance, but the strong community and availability of parts for well-built vessels ensure their longevity and continued enjoyment by their owners.