The hull has a very typical Ted Hood shape with a centerboard, very deep garboards, and exaggerated rocker. This form keeps the ballast low without requiring a deep fixed keel. A telescoping spade rudder retracts with the centerboard for shallow-water grounding.
Design and Construction
The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, and the centerboard trunk passes through that solid layup. The long, low cabintrunk includes a low, wedge-shaped mini-trunk forward. An attractively sprung sheer, highlighted by a varnished teak toerail, completes the profile.
The deck is bonded to an angled inboard hull flange with epoxy putty and through-bolted. Under all installed hardware, high-density foam replaces the standard deck core to resist crushing.
Rig and Handling
The Little Harbor 51 is a masthead sloop drawn without a Stoway mast. It carries 1,219 sq ft of sail area, with aft and centerline lowers augmented by both babystay and midstay. The D/L ratio is 296, and SA/D is 15.25.
With the centerboard, draft ranges from 4'7" to 11'9". The telescoping rudder maintains steerage through both board states, giving the boat useful cruising versatility.
Accommodations and Cruising Systems
Despite the aft cockpit, the long, low cabintrunk limits windage while preserving headroom across the 15'3" beam. Tankage comprises 170 gal of fuel and 300 gal of water. A Westerbeke 100 hp auxiliary moves the 45,750 lb hull at a sensible cruising speed.
Refit and Ownership Considerations
Without a Stoway mast, rig work remains conventional. The babystay-and-midstay arrangement is also straightforward for riggers to replicate.
The centerboard and telescoping rudder shape haulout requirements. With the board up, the hull needs appropriate yard support rather than standard stands.
The Verdict
The Little Harbor 51 is a resolved Hood cruiser: beamy, versatile in draft thanks to its centerboard and retracting rudder, and equipped with a stiff conventional rig and serious tankage. Its emphasis is distance cruising rather than regatta speed.
Pros
- Centerboard provides a 4'7"–11'9" draft range for shoal and offshore use
- Deep garboards and rocker keep ballast low without a fixed keel
- Non-Stoway rig uses a babystay and midstay for stiffness
- 170 gal fuel capacity, 300 gal water capacity, and a Westerbeke 100 hp auxiliary
Cons
- D/L ratio of 296 limits light-air performance
- Centerboard and telescoping rudder add complexity to yard handling
- Traditionally raked transom adds length without changing the hull
