Little Harbor 60 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing identity of the Little Harbor 60 is defined by its massive displacement and Ted Hood’s signature centerboard design. With a displacement often exceeding 65,000 pounds, the boat possesses an exceptionally high immersion rate—approximately 2,678 lbs per inch—which translates to a powerful, sea-kindly motion in heavy weather. The keel-centerboard configuration is the vessel's technical centerpiece, allowing for a modest "board up" draft of roughly 6.5 feet, which is exceptional for a 60-foot yacht. This enables access to shallow Caribbean anchorages that are typically off-limits to vessels of this size. When the board is lowered to nearly 12 feet, the yacht transforms into a formidable upwind performer, with the increased lateral plane significantly reducing leeway.

Handling is further refined by the integration of Hood-designed Stoway furling systems. As noted in Soundings Online, Ted Hood’s background as a world-class sailmaker meant his yachts were engineered around efficient sail handling. Most 60s feature hydraulic furling for the mainsail, genoa, and staysail, all controllable from the cockpit. While the boat is beamy—inspired by the "fat yacht" concept of the famous racer Finisterre—it maintains a high hull speed of approximately 9.3 knots and performs remarkably well on a reach.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Little Harbor 60 reflects a "no-expense-spared" approach to semi-custom yacht building. Most hulls follow a three- or four-cabin arrangement, typically centered around a voluminous "Great Cabin" aft. This master stateroom often features a centerline king or queen berth, extensive hanging lockers, and private access to the aft cockpit, a rare luxury in this size class. The joinery is predominantly high-gloss teak or cherry, with raised-panel cabinetry and solid teak-and-holly sole boards throughout.

Variations among sibling models are common, as the 60 was often an evolution of the Little Harbor 58 hull. For instance, the model Lamlash was a highly customized 58/60 hybrid with a one-foot extension to the aft deck to enhance lounging space. The main salon is typically characterized by a large U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee or armchair arrangement to starboard, often omitting overhead cabinets to create an airier, more open atmosphere than that of its predecessor, the Little Harbor 54.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Little Harbor 60 has maintained a high profile in the cruising community through several notable hulls. Showtime, a 1996 build, is frequently cited in editorial reviews as the finest example of the range, notable for being a rare domestic U.S. build for the series. Additionally, the model is often featured in technical refit narratives, such as the major overhaul of Life Uncharted documented by the Great Island Boat Yard, which highlighted the vessel's enduring value as a full-time liveaboard platform.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Little Harbor 60 with a focus on its complex mechanical and hydraulic systems.

• Centerboard Mechanism: The centerboard winch, cable, and trunk require rigorous inspection. Leaks in the trunk or wear in the pennant cable can lead to significant repair costs if the board becomes jammed.
• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many high-end yachts of the 90s, the 60 typically came with thick teak decks. After nearly three decades, potential for fastener failure and core saturation exists, which may necessitate a full deck replacement.
• Hydraulic System Seals: The extensive use of hydraulics for winches and furling gear means that seals in the Navtec or similar systems are prone to aging and should be checked for weeping or pressure loss.
• Stoway Gearbox: The in-mast furling gearboxes, specifically the older Hood units, require periodic servicing to ensure smooth operation under load.

Community & Resources

The legacy of Little Harbor is currently stewarded by The Hinckley Company, which acquired the brand in 1999. While no longer in production, technical support and historical documentation can often be sourced through Hinckley’s service network. Furthermore, the Ted Hood Design Group continues to represent the architectural lineage of these vessels, offering insights into the original design specifications and potential modifications.

The Verdict

The Little Harbor 60 is a blue-water masterpiece designed for the sailor who refuses to choose between shoal-draft versatility and heavy-weather stability.

Pros:

• Versatility: The centerboard design allows for a 6.5-foot draft, ideal for the Bahamas or Chesapeake.
• Build Quality: Extremely high-end joinery and robust layup standards.
• Short-Handed Capability: Advanced hydraulic furling systems allow a couple to manage the yacht with ease.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: High complexity in hydraulic and centerboard systems requires specialized technical knowledge.
• Operating Costs: The scale of the 60-foot systems (large winches, heavy displacement) commands a premium for every refit.
• Weight: Its heavy displacement makes it less agile in light-air racing compared to more modern, lighter cruisers.