LITTLE HARBOR 53
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 52.67 ft |
| LWL | 42.17 ft |
| Beam | 15.03 ft |
| Draft | 11.33 ft/ 5.67 ft min |
| Displacement | 43,200 lb |
| Ballast | 18,001.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 65.7 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 21.6 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 57.2 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 20 ft |
| FLforestay | 21.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,327.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 709.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,206.3 sq ft |
About the LITTLE HARBOR 53
Center and aft cockpit versions.
Designed by Ted Hood and built by Little Harbor in 1984, the Little Harbor 53 is a substantial cutter-rigged vessel with a displacement of 43200.0 lb. With a hull count of ?, this model represents a specific era of heavy-displacement American cruising yacht construction.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability, as indicated by its high Comfort ratio of 39.9 and D/L ratio of 257.17. The cutter rig and significant beam of 15.03 ft suggest it is ideal for couples or small crews seeking a stable, protected passage-making platform.
- Bluewater capability:
- The Little Harbor 53 demonstrates strong offshore suitability with a low Capsize ratio of 1.72 and a heavy displacement of 43200.0 lb, providing excellent stability and motion comfort in rough seas. Its full/long keel design and cutter rig further enhance its seaworthiness for extended passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Tartan 4400 and the O'Day 42, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and cutter rig configurations from the same late-1980s era. These vessels are comparable due to their focus on bluewater capability and robust construction rather than high-performance racing.
Direct variant of the LITTLE HARBOR 53
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 52.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
3 reported issues across 3 systems for the LITTLE HARBOR 53, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a LITTLE HARBOR 53? 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 3 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
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Used sails that fit the LITTLE HARBOR 53
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