Little Harbor 63 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Little Harbor 63 began in the mid-1980s, with models appearing as early as 1983, and continuing through the late 1980s or beyond, as indicated by a production start year of 1988 in some records. Ted Hood, the founder of Little Harbor Custom Yachts, was a pioneering inventor and a gifted naval architect who consistently strived for perfection in his designs. His design philosophy for Little Harbor yachts centered on creating vessels that were not only robust and capable of demanding blue water passages but also easily handled, even for short-handed sailing. This innovative mindset, previously applied to his sailmaking and hardware developments, translated directly into the practical and performance-enhancing features seen in his yacht designs.

The Little Harbor 63, like other vessels from the builder, features solid fiberglass hull and deck construction. A notable design element is its centerboard keel, 5]. This pivoting lifting keel allows for a variable draft, enabling the vessel to access shallower coastal waters while also providing the necessary deep draft for enhanced upwind performance and stability in offshore conditions. Little Harbor Yachts cultivated a reputation for building semi-custom vessels, allowing a degree of personalization while maintaining the integrity of Hood's proven designs, often built in overseas facilities such as Taiwan and Holland.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Little Harbor 63 is a substantial yacht, displacing 65,000 pounds with a length overall of 63.83 feet. Her design ratios reflect her capabilities as a capable cruising yacht. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.7, she is categorized as a moderate cruiser, indicating a balanced performance that favors comfort and stability over outright light-air speed. A Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.415 suggests a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind pressures. Her Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 251.9 further classifies her as a moderate to heavy cruiser, underscoring her robust build and comfortable motion in a seaway.

The ketch rig, with its main and mizzen sails, is generally considered easier to handle, particularly for a yacht of this size, as it divides the total sail area into smaller, more manageable units. Owners and reviewers describe the Little Harbor 63 as a "fantastic to sail" and "comfortable boat". The combination of a well-proportioned rig and a robust hull ensures a stable and predictable ride in various sea states, a hallmark of Ted Hood's blue water designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data is not available, the Little Harbor 63 is renowned for its spacious and comfortable accommodations, befitting a yacht of its size designed for extended cruising. The interior typically features a well-appointed three-stateroom and three-head layout, capable of sleeping up to eight guests.

Interior descriptions for similar models and the brand's overall reputation suggest extensive use of solid teak joinery, contributing to a classic and warm marine ambiance. Ventilation is ample, with specific models featuring up to 18 opening ports, 9 hatches, and two companionways, often supplemented with electric Hella fans to ensure airflow throughout the living spaces. Some configurations may also feature two distinct luxury cockpits, enhancing the outdoor living and entertaining areas. The layout is designed to maximize comfort and functionality for long voyages, offering generous salon and galley spaces, multiple berths, and dedicated navigation areas.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Little Harbor yachts consistently praise their solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and the enduring quality of Ted Hood's designs. The Little Harbor 63 is no exception, often described as a beautiful and comfortable boat that is also fantastic to sail. The active community of Little Harbor enthusiasts often meticulously maintain and actively cruise their vessels, a testament to the original build quality and timeless appeal of these yachts. While no specific recurring common problems were widely reported in public forums or reviews for the Little Harbor 63, the overall positive sentiment from owners reflects the brand's reputation for building well-engineered, capable, and comfortable yachts with a distinguished pedigree.