Little Harbor 62 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Little Harbor 62 is engineered to provide a sense of absolute security in open water, a trait often referred to by owners as the "Little Harbor motion." With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavy side, the 62 does not "bounce" over waves but rather drives through them, maintaining momentum in choppy conditions that would slow lighter performance cruisers. The defining feature of its performance is the Ted Hood centerboard. This allows the yacht to maintain a shallow draft of approximately 6 feet for navigating the Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay, while extending to over 14 feet to provide a deep, high-aspect foil for upwind tracking.

In magazine tests from the era, such as those conducted by Yachting Magazine, the model was praised for its balance; even under a press of sail, the helm remains light and responsive. The sail plan is typically a powerful cutter or ketch rig, often equipped with hydraulic furling systems for the mainsail and headsails to allow for short-handed operation. While not a light-air flyer, the 62 excels when the breeze freshens, finding its "sweet spot" in 15 to 25 knots of wind where it can reliably clock 200-mile days.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Little Harbor 62 is a masterclass in traditional Joinery, often finished in hand-rubbed Burmese teak or American cherry. Because these were semi-custom builds, configurations vary significantly. Most models feature a three- or four-cabin layout, with a massive owner’s stateroom aft that typically includes a private companionway to the aft deck. The "sibling" models built on this design lineage include the Little Harbor 60, which served as the 62's predecessor, and the later Little Harbor 63 and 64, which utilized similar hull molds but often featured integrated swim platforms or different transom rakes.

Inside the 62, the salon is usually slightly elevated to allow for the placement of large windows, providing better visibility and light than the "cave-like" interiors of many 1980s offshore cruisers. High-headroom throughout—often exceeding 6'6"—and extensive storage for long-term provisioning are standard. The galley is typically U-shaped and positioned in the passageway to the aft cabin, providing a secure place for the cook to brace themselves while the yacht is heeled.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Little Harbor 62 and its close relatives have long been the choice of high-profile sailors who value anonymity and capability. Ted Hood himself frequently used his own designs as testbeds for new technology. While the 62 hasn't been a "movie star" boat, it is a staple of the prestigious Newport-Bermuda Race cruising divisions and is frequently featured in editorial retrospectives regarding the "Golden Age" of Taiwanese yacht building.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a vessel of this complexity requires a rigorous survey focusing on systems that may be nearing the end of their service life.

• Centerboard Assembly: The hydraulic or manual pennant system that raises and lowers the heavy bronze or lead-weighted centerboard requires specific inspection. Buyers should check for play in the pivot pin and the condition of the trunk lining.
• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many yachts of this era, the 62 features thick teak decks traditionally fastened with screws. Over decades, these screws can provide paths for water to enter the sub-deck core. Any signs of "popped" bungs or soft spots require immediate attention.
• Stainless Steel Fatigue: The chainplates and original rod rigging (if still present) should be dye-tested. Given the blue water history of most 62s, the stress on these components is often higher than that of a coastal cruiser.
• Galvanic Corrosion: Due to the extensive use of dissimilar metals (bronze boards, stainless shafts, and aluminum masts), the bonding system and sacrificial anodes must be meticulously maintained to prevent hull or hardware degradation.

Community & Resources

Owners of Little Harbor yachts often find support through the Ted Hood Yachts community and various regional heritage yacht associations. While there is no longer a factory-backed owner's portal, the "Little Harbor Group" on various sailing networks serves as a technical exchange for parts and restoration advice. Technical drawings and historical specifications are often still accessible through the archives maintained by the designers who worked alongside Hood.

The Verdict

The Little Harbor 62 is a "gentleman’s cruiser" that makes no apologies for its weight or traditional lines. It is designed for the sailor who wants to cross an ocean in a dinner jacket, prioritizing comfort, safety, and aesthetic beauty over modern flat-bottomed speed.

Pros:

• Exceptional Versatility: The centerboard design offers a "best of both worlds" scenario for draft and performance.
• World-Class Construction: Built at a time when Little Harbor was arguably the finest yard in the Far East.
• Timeless Aesthetic: Graceful overhangs and low profiles that never go out of style.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: High-quality wood and complex hydraulic systems require a significant annual budget.
• Weight: Not the ideal choice for regions with predominantly light winds (under 8 knots).
• Complexity: As a semi-custom boat, many systems are unique to individual hulls, making troubleshooting more difficult than on production boats.