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Sailboat Specifications

Little Harbor 42

Masthead Sloop · Keel/Cbrd.

Designed by Ted Hood · Built by Little Harbor · First built 1987

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LOA 42.67 ft  ·  Beam 13.08 ft  ·  Displacement 27,450.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 895.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Keel/Cbrd.
About the Little Harbor 42 Sailboat

Originally launched in the late 1970s, this 42-foot sailboat emerged from Little Harbor Marine's dedication to building robust bluewater cruising vessels. The design reflects the era's emphasis on seaworthiness over pure speed, creating a yacht that prioritizes safety and comfort during extended passages. Built with traditional fiberglass construction methods, the Little Harbor 42 features a moderate displacement hull that provides stability in challenging conditions. The boat's full keel configuration enhances directional stability and creates a forgiving sailing experience, though it sacrifices some maneuverability in tight quarters compared to modern fin keel designs. The cockpit and deck layout emphasize practical seamanship, with well-positioned winches and cleats that allow for efficient sail handling. Below deck, the interior typically showcases solid wood joinery and a functional galley arrangement suitable for extended cruising. This yacht appeals to sailors seeking a dependable platform for coastal cruising and offshore passages. While not designed for racing, the Little Harbor 42 offers the kind of steady performance and structural integrity that builds confidence during long-distance voyaging. The model represents classic American yacht building from an era when durability took precedence over contemporary performance metrics.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 42.67 ft / 13.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.42 ft / 10.49 m
Beam 13.08 ft / 3.99 m
Max Draft 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Min Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Displacement 27,450.00 lb / 12,451 kg
Ballast 10,950.00 lb / 4,967 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 895.00 ft² / 83.15 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ted Hood
Builder Little Harbor
First Built 1987
Last Built 1989
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Little Harbor 42's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Little Harbor 42 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.8. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Little Harbor 42's comfort ratio?

The Little Harbor 42 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 37.46. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Little Harbor 42 safe for offshore sailing?

The Little Harbor 42 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.74. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Little Harbor 42?

The theoretical hull speed of the Little Harbor 42 is 7.86 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Little Harbor 42 weigh?

The Little Harbor 42 has a displacement of 27,450.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 42.67 ft.

Who designed the Little Harbor 42?

The Little Harbor 42 was designed by Ted Hood, first built in 1987.