Little Harbor 57 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Little Harbor 57 are defined by its significant displacement—often exceeding 60,000 pounds—and its versatile keel/centerboard arrangement. With the board up, the yacht draws approximately 6 feet, allowing it to navigate the Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay with ease; with the board down, the draft extends to nearly 13 feet, providing the lateral resistance necessary for efficient upwind work. While the high Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio suggests a "heavy" feel, Ted Hood’s expertise in foil design and sail area distribution ensures the boat remains surprisingly nimble in light air.

According to technical retrospectives often found in archives of Cruising World, Hood's yachts were designed to "sail on their lines" without excessive heel, a trait the 57 exemplifies through its wide beam and low center of gravity. Handling the yacht is typically managed via electric or hydraulic furling systems and primary winches, as the 57 was one of the early adopters of "push-button" sailing for short-handed crews. In a seaway, the 57 is noted for its soft motion and lack of pounding, a direct result of its deep-V entry and heavy sections. It tracks with exceptional stability, making it a preferred choice for long-distance trade-wind passages where autopilot reliability and crew fatigue are primary concerns.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Little Harbor 57 is a masterclass in traditional New England aesthetics, typically finished in hand-rubbed Burmese teak or lighter American cherry. Because these were semi-custom builds, configurations vary, but the most common layout features a three-stateroom, three-head arrangement. The center-cockpit design allows for a cavernous aft owner’s suite, which usually includes a walk-around queen berth, a private companionway to the aft deck, and an ensuite head with a separate stall shower.

Moving forward, the salon is elevated slightly to allow for large windows that provide excellent natural light—a precursor to the "deck salon" trend. The galley is almost always located in the starboard passageway leading aft, providing a secure, U-shaped workspace that remains functional even in heavy seas. Sibling models, such as the Little Harbor 53 and 54, share similar aesthetics but lack the 57’s additional stowage capacity and longitudinal stringer strength. The 57’s extra length was often utilized to expand the engine room, which on many hulls offers near-standing headroom and 360-degree access to the primary power plant and generator.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Little Harbor 57 must approach the vessel as they would a complex ship, focusing on systems that may have aged since the 1990s.

• Centerboard Assembly: The hydraulic or manual lift mechanism for the 600-pound centerboard requires periodic inspection. The pennant, pulleys, and the board’s pivot pin are high-wear items that can be difficult to service without specialized hauling equipment.
• Stainless Steel Tankage: Like many yachts of this era, the 57 utilized stainless steel for fuel and water tanks. While durable, these tanks are susceptible to crevice corrosion or "pitting" if water has sat in the fuel for extended periods. Replacing these often requires significant joinery removal.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Original decks were thick-milled teak. Buyers should check for thinning or "proud" screws, as a full deck replacement on a 57-footer is a six-figure undertaking.
• Electrical Complexity: Little Harbor frequently utilized sophisticated (for the time) DC distribution panels and hydraulic systems. An audit of the wiring and hydraulic manifolds is essential to ensure they haven't been compromised by "creative" previous owner repairs.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by a niche but dedicated community. The most prominent resource is the Ted Hood Yacht Owners Association, which serves as a technical repository for original blueprints and manual scans. While there is no dedicated factory support today, many former Little Harbor employees and managers relocated to the Portsmouth and Newport, Rhode Island, areas, maintaining a "brain trust" of technical knowledge regarding the specific construction methods used in the Taiwan yard.

The Verdict

The Little Harbor 57 is an uncompromising blue water cruiser that offers a rare combination of shallow-draft versatility and heavy-weather security. It is best suited for experienced sailors planning long-term liveaboard voyages or circumnavigations.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and world-class interior joinery.
• The keel/centerboard design allows for a "best of both worlds" draft.
• Massive interior volume and tankage for self-sufficient cruising.
• Timeless aesthetic that commands respect in any harbor.

Cons:

• High maintenance costs due to complex mechanical and hydraulic systems.
• Heavy displacement makes it less "sporty" in light-air maneuvers compared to modern fin-keel cruisers.
• The age of the fleet means many units require significant electronic and plumbing refits.