Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and ships

LITTLE HARBOR - 53 - For Sale

Crafted by LITTLE HARBOR, the53is a 53-footsail yachtin thecutter segment, built on afiberglass and plastic hullwith a fiberglass deck. Presented by Shestakov Yacht Sales and represented by broker Andrey Shestakov.

Selecting a 53

Choosing the 53centers on balanced dimensions, practical capacities, and predictable performance. With a length overall of 53 ft (16.15 m) and a 15 ft (4.6 m) beam, the boat combines volume with manageable proportions. Its centerboard hull configuration provides a defined draft range from 18.045 ft (5.5 m) minimum to 37.183 ft (11.3333 m) maximum, and propulsion comes from a single Yanmar diesel outboard. Accommodations for up to 7 with two heads, plus 240 gallons of fuel and 160 gallons of water capacity, make the platform versatile for extended time aboard. Shestakov Yacht Sales and Andrey Shestakov can guide you through viewing, survey, and purchase logistics.

Features of the Model

Centerboard hull configuration with a wide draft range (min 18.045 ft / 5.5 m; max 37.183 ft / 11.3333 m)

fiberglass and plastichull with fiberglass deck

Propulsion: 1 x Yanmar, outboard, diesel

Performance: cruising 7.5 kn (8.63 mph); max 8.5 kn (9.78 mph)

Capacities: fuel 240 gal; water 160 gal

Accommodations for up to 7; 2 heads

Gross tonnage: 25.4

Technical Specifications

Builder: LITTLE HARBOR

Model: 53

Classification: sail yacht;cutter configuration; hull:fiberglass and plastic

Hull configuration: Centerboard

Hull material: fiberglass and plastic; Deck material: Fiberglass

LOA: 53 ft (16.15 m)

Beam: 15 ft (4.6 m)

Draft: min 18.045 ft (5.5 m); max 37.183 ft (11.3333 m)

Gross tonnage: 25.4

Engines: 1 x Yanmar; Type: Outboard; Fuel: Diesel

Speed: Cruise 7.5 kn (8.63 mph); Max 8.5 kn (9.78 mph)

Capacities: Fuel 240 gal; Water 160 gal

Accommodations: 7; Heads: 2

Pricing and Ordering

For current pricing, availability, and to arrange inspections of the 53byLITTLE HARBOR, contact Shestakov Yacht Sales. Broker Andrey Shestakov will coordinate viewings, discuss survey and sea trial planning, and guide you through documentation and closing.

Questions and Answers

Q: What type of yacht is the 53? A: It is asail yachtin thecutter categorywith afiberglass and plastic hulland a fiberglass deck. Built byLITTLE HARBOR.

Q: What is the draft and hull configuration? A: The 53features acenterboardhull with a minimumdraftof 18.045 ft (5.5 m) and a maximum draft of 37.183 ft (11.3333 m).

Q: What are the engine and performance figures? A: Power is a single Yanmardieseloutboard. The yacht’scruising speedis 7.5 kn (8.63 mph) andmaximum speedis 8.5 kn (9.78 mph).

Q: How many people can stay aboard comfortably? A: There are accommodationsfor up to 7 and 2heads, supported by 160 gallons of water capacity and 240 gallons of fuel capacity.

Q: How do I purchase through Shestakov Yacht Sales? A: Reach out to Shestakov Yacht Sales and ask for Andrey Shestakov. He will arrange showings of the53, advise on offers, surveys, and sea trials, and manage the transaction end to end.

Owner Experience Review

Owners who step into the 53fromLITTLE HARBORtend to use it for true passagemaking as well as skinny-water exploring. As a Ted Hood design produced in low volumes for private owner-operators, it’s commonly set up for bluewater/offshore work; yet the centerboard that brings draft to about 5'6" also opens up coastal and shallow-water cruising in places like the Chesapeake and Bahamas. The roomy layout, multiple cabins, and ample storage have made it a practical choice for family liveaboard and extended cruising.

Under sail, expert and owner commentary aligns: it is stiff, fast upwind, and notably capable in light air, delivering a heavy-displacement, sea‑kindly motion with predictable handling in a seaway. Lowering the centerboard sharpens windward performance and improves low‑speed control, while the center‑cockpit ergonomics allow a single person at the helm to reach and manage most sail and driving controls.

The trade‑offs are maintenance realities typical of the vintage and fit-out. Teak decks and varnished joinery demand steady care; centerboard pennants and sheaves, along with associated hydraulic/raising systems, are known wear points. On older examples, surveys often call for a thorough electrical audit and modernization of early hydraulic/furling gear, and hidden issues such as tank corrosion or wiring under joinery can require cabinet removal to address.

Pros and Cons

Bluewater capability with a sea‑kindly, predictable ride on long passages.

Centerboard provides ~5'6" shoal draft for shallow cruising and boosts windward performance when lowered.

Generous interior volume and center‑cockpit ergonomics support family living and short‑handed operation.

Teak decks and varnished joinery require ongoing, sometimes costly maintenance or refits.

Original electrical, hydraulic, and early furling systems are aging and often need audits and upgrades.

Centerboard components (pennant/sheaves) are wear items, and some hidden-system repairs can require interior removal.

Comparison with Other Models

Model	LOA	Beam	Draft	Speed (Cruising/Max)	Gross Tonnage
46	46' 0" (14.02 m)	13' 0" (4.17 m)	16' 11" (5.17 m) – 34' 12" (10.67 m)	-	-
38 Whisper Jet	38' 0" (11.58 m)	12' 0" (3.81 m)	6' 0" (1.83 m)	25 kn / 35 kn	-
Aft Cockpit LH42	42' 0" (12.80 m)	13' 0" (3.99 m)	14' 9" (4.50 m)	6.5 kn / 7 kn	-
44 WhisperJet	44' 0" (13.41 m)	13' 0" (4.14 m)	8' 2" (2.50 m)	22 kn / 24 kn	12.5
38 CB	38' 0" (11.58 m)	12' 0" (3.63 m)	14' 9" (4.50 m)	-	-
44	44' 0" (13.51 m)	13' 0" (4.17 m)	16' 5" (5 m) – 33' 4" (10.17 m)	7 kn / 7.75 kn	13.7
54	53' 0" (16.28 m)	15' 0" (4.57 m)	19' 8" (6 m) – 39' 4" (12 m)	-	22.3
63 Ketch	63' 0" (19.46 m)	17' 0" (5.26 m)	21' 1" (6.42 m) – 41' 0" (12.50 m)	-	35
53	53' 0" (16.15 m)	15' 0" (4.60 m)	18' 1" (5.50 m) – 37' 2" (11.33 m)	7.5 kn / 8.5 kn	25.4