Little Harbor Yachts was founded by Ted Hood and became known for custom and semi-custom cruising yachts that combined performance, shoal-draft capability, refined joinery, and practical systems for serious cruising. The brand was based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and produced both sailing yachts and later WhisperJet powerboats.
For buyers comparing used yachts for sale, Little Harbor occupies a distinctive part of the market. These boats were built in relatively limited numbers and many were customized for their original owners, so layout, draft, sail handling, machinery, and interior finish can differ significantly between sisterships.
The current brokerage market is entirely pre-owned. YachtWorld presently shows no new Little Harbor boats and dozens of used examples concentrated primarily in the United States.
A used Little Harbor can appeal to buyers who want a pedigree cruising yacht with a strong design history and craftsmanship that is difficult to reproduce economically in a modern production boat.
On the sailing side, Little Harbor yachts are especially associated with Hood-designed hulls, centerboards or shoal-draft configurations, cockpit sail controls, and finely crafted interiors. On the power side, WhisperJet models combine Downeast styling with jet-drive operation and shallow-water capability.
Because most examples are now several decades old, condition and refit history are critical. A well-updated boat with documented rigging, machinery, paint, electronics, tanks, and deck work can be very different from an otherwise similar boat that has deferred maintenance.
The smaller and mid-size sailing market includes the Little Harbor 38, LH40, and LH44. Current YachtWorld listings include examples of all three.
The 38 offers an accessible entry into the brand’s sailing heritage, while the LH40 and LH44 provide more interior volume and longer-range cruising capability without moving into the larger 50- and 60-foot yachts.
Wellington Yacht Partners highlights the Little Harbor 44 as a Hood-designed sailing yacht known for shoal draft, strong sailing performance, short-handed systems, and high-quality joinery.
Buyers should compare centerboard condition, standing rigging, sail-handling systems, deck hardware, engine history, and interior upgrades carefully on these older yachts.
The Little Harbor 46 remains active in the current brokerage market in both standard and center-cockpit forms. Current listings include multiple 1986 and 1990 examples.
The 46 gives buyers a more substantial cruising platform with additional accommodation, tankage, and storage while retaining the brand’s emphasis on manageable sailing and shoal-water access.
Center-cockpit layouts can provide a more private aft owner’s cabin and better separation between guest and owner spaces, making the 46 particularly attractive to couples planning longer cruises.
The 51 Pilothouse and 53 move Little Harbor into a larger, more substantial cruising category. YachtWorld currently lists a 51 Pilothouse and multiple 53-foot examples.
The 51 Pilothouse adds greater weather protection and interior visibility, while the 53 represents one of the most frequently listed Little Harbor sailing models in the current market.
At this size, buyers should expect more complex systems, larger rigging loads, more extensive electrical equipment, and higher maintenance costs than on the 38- to 46-foot boats.
For buyers comparing luxury yachts for sale, a well-refitted 51 or 53 can provide substantial craftsmanship and bluewater capability at a very different price point from a new custom yacht.
The Little Harbor 58 and 60 are among the brand’s best-known larger sailing yachts. Current YachtWorld inventory includes 58-foot sloops and multiple 60-foot examples.
Wellington Yacht Partners describes customized 58/60 boats as capable of combining shallow draft, short-handed cockpit sail controls, extensive joinery, and owner-specific interior arrangements.
The current market includes 60-foot yachts from the early 1990s with significant variation in condition, equipment, and refit history. Buyers should evaluate each yacht individually rather than assuming identical specifications.
The WhisperJet range represents the powerboat side of Little Harbor. Current YachtWorld inventory includes the WhisperJet 36, WhisperJet 38, Whisper Jet 38 Prop, and WhisperJet 40.
These boats combine classic New England exterior styling with shallow-draft powerboat operation. Jet-drive versions can be particularly attractive to owners who cruise in areas where propeller protection and reduced draft are useful.
The 36 and 38 provide compact Downeast-style cruising platforms, while the 40 adds more cabin space and cruising comfort.
For buyers comparing motor yachts for sale, WhisperJets offer a distinctive alternative to conventional shaft-drive express cruisers.
The current used market also includes multiple WhisperJet 44 examples and a 55-foot WhisperJet. These models extend the same shallow-water powerboat concept into larger cruising platforms.
The WhisperJet 44 is one of the most visible Little Harbor power models currently listed, while the 55 provides more accommodation, range, and onboard systems for extended cruising.
Buyers should verify whether the individual boat uses jet or conventional propeller propulsion because current listings include both WhisperJet and Whisper Jet Prop designations.
On a Little Harbor sailing yacht, buyers should inspect standing and running rigging, mast and boom condition, sails, furling systems, centerboards where fitted, steering, keel and rudder structure, deck hardware, and through-hulls.
On WhisperJet powerboats, inspection should include engines, jet-drive units or conventional propulsion where fitted, steering systems, intake and impeller condition, fuel systems, generators, batteries, and navigation electronics.
Across both sail and power models, buyers should review hull and deck condition, core moisture, tanks, windows, hatches, paint systems, teak, electrical wiring, plumbing, and complete refit documentation.
Older custom yachts deserve close attention to structural repairs and owner modifications because original specifications can vary significantly from boat to boat.
A professional marine survey, rig inspection where applicable, detailed mechanical inspection, and sea trial are essential before completing a purchase.
