Little Harbor 62 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Little Harbor 62 commenced in 1982, continuing the tradition of quality craftsmanship that defined Little Harbor Yachts. Ted Hood's design philosophy for Little Harbor vessels focused on creating yachts that were not only robust and capable of extensive blue water passages but also easily handled, even for short-handed sailing. This innovative approach, deeply rooted in Hood's pioneering work in sailmaking and yacht hardware, translated into designs that incorporated practical and performance-enhancing features. The Little Harbor 62, typically configured as a centre cockpit, raised saloon, twin-screw centreboard sloop, exemplifies this blend of performance and liveability. The centerboard keel, a signature feature, provides versatility, allowing for shallower draft when retracted and enhanced sailing performance with the board extended. While precise variations are not widely documented, individual yachts, being semi-custom builds, could exhibit unique details.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 62's design ratios reveal a vessel built for comfortable and capable cruising with a surprising turn of speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 20.89, she exhibits a strong sail plan relative to her weight, suggesting good performance in lighter air conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.34 indicates a moderately stable boat, designed to stand up to a good breeze while maintaining a comfortable motion. A Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 334.9 categorizes the Little Harbor 62 as a heavy displacement cruiser, known for its ability to track well and provide a stable platform in a seaway.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the sailing performance of the Little Harbor 62 with its centreboard down is exceptional. The model has even proven its competitive capabilities by winning the Marion to Bermuda race class, underscoring its ability to deliver strong performance in addition to its cruising comfort. The center cockpit configuration further contributes to a safe and comfortable deck layout, particularly beneficial for offshore sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Little Harbor 62 is designed for extended cruising and comfortable living, offering a versatile 4-cabin, 4-heads layout. These vessels typically feature a raised saloon, contributing to a bright and airy ambiance below decks. The joinery, often in teak, is of superb quality, reflecting the custom craftsmanship synonymous with Little Harbor Yachts. Owners commonly praise the thoughtful layout that ensures privacy and convenience for all onboard. Modern amenities such as reverse cycle air-conditioning in the owner's cabin and electric heads are often found, indicating the potential for significant upgrades over the years. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the raised saloon design generally allows for ample standing room.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Little Harbor 62s consistently praise the solid construction and overall build quality that has allowed these vessels to endure gracefully over decades. Many actively cruised and meticulously maintained examples are found on the brokerage market, a testament to their original engineering and timeless appeal. The design's emphasis on blue water capability and comfortable motion in a seaway is frequently highlighted as a major strength. While specific common problems unique to the model are not widely reported in general reviews, vessels of this age may require refits or repowering, as seen in some examples, which is typical for well-used and cherished yachts. The enduring popularity of the Little Harbor 62 reflects its distinguished pedigree and the enduring legacy of Ted Hood's design genius.