LITTLE HARBOR 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38 ft |
| LWL | 31 ft |
| Beam | 11.83 ft |
| Draft | 9.5 ft/ 4.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 20,600 lb |
| Ballast | 8,400.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 51.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 763.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 424.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 722.3 sq ft |
About the LITTLE HARBOR 38
WAUQUIEZ HOOD 38 and BRISTOL 38.8 are based on this same hull design.
Designed by Ted Hood and built by Lien Hwa, the Little Harbor 38 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruiser with a production run of 1982–1988 resulting in 31 hulls. Its substantial displacement of 20600.0 lb and full keel design prioritize stability and seakeeping over speed, making it a classic example of 1980s bluewater construction.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for serious coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize safety, comfort, and long-term durability over high-performance sailing. It appeals to owners willing to invest in significant maintenance and systems upgrades, as evidenced by the high prevalence of solar, watermaker, and canvas installations in the fleet.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 20600.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.73, and a full/long keel, the Little Harbor 38 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passage-making. Owners frequently equip these boats with watermakers, wind generators, and robust anchoring systems, reflecting their use in remote cruising grounds.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Tartan 38 and the Cal 40, which share similar heavy displacement, full keel designs, and Ted Hood or contemporary designer pedigrees from the same era. These vessels are comparable because they all prioritize motion comfort and structural integrity for extended passages over planing ability.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the LITTLE HARBOR 38 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 9 systems for the LITTLE HARBOR 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a LITTLE HARBOR 38? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 20 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your LITTLE HARBOR 38?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the LITTLE HARBOR 38
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…