Little Harbor 51 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Little Harbor 51 are dictated by its substantial displacement—typically exceeding 50,000 pounds—and its versatile centerboard configuration. With a draft of approximately 5' 6" when the board is retracted, the yacht can access anchorages in the Bahamas or the Chesapeake that are usually off-limits to 50-foot vessels. When the board is lowered to nearly 11 feet, the yacht gains significant lift and stability, allowing it to point impressively for a heavy cruiser.

In terms of ratios, the 51 generally features a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio in the high 200s to low 300s, categorizing it as a heavy-displacement cruiser. This mass translates to a remarkably soft motion in a seaway; the yacht tends to "power through" chop rather than bouncing over it. Most 51s were equipped with Ted Hood’s signature "Stoway" mainsail furling system and hydraulic headsail furlers, reflecting a design priority for short-handed management. While it is not a "light air" performer due to its wetted surface area, the 51 excels in 15–25 knots of breeze, where its momentum and stability allow it to maintain high average speeds with minimal heel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Little Harbor 51 is characterized by old-world craftsmanship, often featuring hand-fitted Burmese teak or American cherry joinery. Because these were semi-custom builds, layouts vary, but most center on a expansive main salon that benefits from the yacht's 15-foot beam. A popular variant is the Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse, which raises the salon floor to provide 360-degree visibility from an internal helm or navigation station, a feature noted for its utility in inclement weather.

The master stateroom is typically located aft, utilizing the full beam to provide a walk-around queen berth, a private head with a separate stall shower, and extensive hanging locker space. Forward, the yacht usually offers one or two guest cabins. The galley is often located in a "walk-through" configuration to starboard, providing a secure workspace for the cook while underway. The level of finish, including Corian or marble countertops and custom-louvered locker doors, remains a hallmark of the brand's Taiwan-built heritage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Little Harbor 51 should focus their surveys on the specific technical complexities of the Ted Hood design:

• Centerboard System: The hydraulic or manual winch system for the centerboard requires a detailed inspection. The pennant (the cable or rope that raises the board) is a wear item, and the pivot pin bushings should be checked for "clunking" while underway, which indicates wear.
• Teak Deck Integration: Little Harbor utilized thick teak decks that were traditionally fastened. Over several decades, the bedding compound can fail, leading to moisture intrusion in the core. A thermal imaging scan or moisture meter test of the deck is essential.
• Mast and Furling Systems: Many 51s use early-generation hydraulic furling. These systems are robust but require specialized maintenance. Buyers should check for seal leaks in the hydraulic motors and ensure the "Stoway" mast internal components are not showing signs of corrosion.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: In yachts of this age, the stainless steel or aluminum tanks, often located deep in the bilge or under the cabin sole, may be approaching the end of their service life. Access can be difficult, making a pressure test or scoped inspection vital.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of the Little Harbor 51 are supported by a niche but dedicated community. The Ted Hood Yachts legacy is often discussed within the broader context of the Little Harbor Owners Group, which serves as an informal network for sharing technical drawings and maintenance advice for these semi-custom builds. Technical documentation is often sourced through archives maintained by the remaining staff of the Ted Hood design office or through historical records now managed under the Hinckley Yachts umbrella, which acquired the brand in 1999.

The Verdict

The Little Harbor 51 is an "all-oceans" cruiser that refuses to compromise on luxury or shallow-water capability. It is a vessel for the sailor who values substance over contemporary speed-at-all-costs design.

Pros:

• Shallow Draft: The centerboard design offers unparalleled access to shallow cruising grounds for a yacht of this size.
• Build Quality: Overbuilt construction and world-class joinery ensure the yacht ages better than most production counterparts.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement provides a comfortable, fatigue-reducing motion during long offshore passages.

Cons:

• Maintenance Complexity: Multiple hydraulic systems and a centerboard assembly increase the annual maintenance budget.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy hull and high wetted surface area require a stiff breeze to reach hull speed.
• Operating Costs: As a semi-custom yacht with significant teak and complex systems, specialized labor is often required for repairs.