1996 Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse
$399,000
Boat in Hampton, VA 23669 US
Built in 1996
51 Pilothouse
1 Engine (Yanmar)
51.9 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
"¾ Time" is an exceptional and capable Ted Hood design that completed a circumnavigation from November 2016 to April 2018. This boat is for a discerning owner looking for a 'turn-key' bluewater cruiser of the highest pedigree. With all controls conveniently positioned, this vessel is specifically designed for shorthanded sailing, and most of the recent circumnavigation was done solo. Since her return to the Chesapeake, she has been continually upgraded and maintained and remains ready for crossing oceans. The entire interior was refinished in Bali in 2017. This Little Harbor 51 draws just 6 feet with the centerboard up and has a draft of 13'6" with the board down, providing exceptional upwind performance.The pilothouse design offers comfort and protection from foul weather whether cruising or relaxing dockside.
Highlights
- New cockpit and pilothouse cushions (new 2025)
- Light fixtures in galley and heads were upgraded in 2025
- Midstay (new 2025)
- Backstay hydraulic cylinders factory (refurbished 2024)
- 12 inch Raymarine Axiom Pro in pilothouse (new 2024)
- 9 inch Raymarine Axiom Pro in cockpit (new 2024)
- 1200 amp hours of lithium batteries (new 2024)
- Hydraulic Vang (rebuilt 2024)
- Navtec hydraulic control panel factory refurbished (2021)
- Bow Thruster battery (new 2023)
- Engine start battery (new 2024)
- Anchor windlass motor replaced (new 2024)
- New bilge pump (2024)
- Morse engine control and cables (new 2024)
- Masthead VHF antenna (new 2024)
- Hood stowaway furling system upgraded with 3/4 hp motor (vice 1/2 hp) (new 2022)
- Hood stowaway upper swivel rebuilt (2022)
- Yanmar 4LHA 160hp, approx. 2850 hours (new 2015)
- Hull newly painted in 2020 - Awlgrip, Island Turquoise
The boat is currently in the water in Hampton, Virginia. A showing will not disappoint. Contact Nathan Hesse for more information.
- Hull repainted (2020) - Awlgrip, Island Turquoise
- White boot stripe
- Constructed of molded fiberglass using a vinylester hybrid resin and foam core, reinforced with a kevlar hybrid to increase strength and add stiffness
- Deck is an off-white gelcoat with cream textured nonskid gelcoat
- Double rail welded stainless steel pushpit
- Double rail welded stainless steel bow pulpit
- Stainless steel stanchions
- Stainless steel wire upper and lower lifelines with gates port and starboard (replaced 2022)
- Stainless steel mooring cleats
- Folding stainless steel swim ladder
- Teak handrails on the cabin trunk top
- Handrail covers (new) 2022
- Opening deck hatches on the cabin top and pilothouse
- LED lighting throughout - including deck lights, navigation lights, and anchor light
- Hatch covers (new 2023)
- (2) Dorade ventilator boxes on the cabin top with polished stainless steel cowls
- Opening portlights on the sides of the cabin trunk
- Steering pedestal with folding stainless steel wheel (2016), standard wheel available
- Varnished teak toe rails
- New bimini (new 2019)
- Dimmable red / white light Floodlight on stern radio mast (2016)
- Custom boarding ladder
- 90 lb Manson anchor with 300 ft of chain (new 2016)
- Anchor washdown system (new 2023)
- Anchor windlass (motor new 2024)
- Maxwell Anchor Winch Control
- Custom mast on stern for AIS and spare VHF antenna
- Aft deck shower with hot/cold water pressure
- Midstay (new 2025)
- Backstay hydraulic cylinders factory (refurbished 2024)
- Flutes stopper (to eliminate in-port mast humming) (new 2025)
- Hydraulic Vang (rebuilt 2024)
- Hood stowaway furling system upgraded with 3/4 hp motor (vice 1/2 hp) (new 2022)
- Hood stowaway upper swivel rebuilt (2022)
- All standing rigging replaced in 2018, the headstay was upgraded to oversized hammerstrand
- Vertical batten, radial cut main (Doyle - new 2016), great condition
- Radial cut hydranet jib by Evolution (new 2020), excellent condition
- Cruising spinnaker with sock, excellent condition (used less than a dozen times)
- Staysail present, but owner has never used it
- 12 inch Raymarine Axiom Pro in pilothouse (new 2024) Navigation/chart table with forward-facing seat to starboard
- Raymarine VHF
- ICOM IC-M710 MF/HF Marine Transceiver
- Three Raymarine I70 multi-instruments, plus a P70 autopilot control
- Raymarine autopilot control new 2016, (Mechanical components new 2017)
- Tinted Lexan windows
- Protected control station with 360-degree visibility
- Full-length pilothouse berth
- L-shaped settee to port
- 16,000 BTU air conditioned pilothouse, (with heating via reverse cycle)
- Permanent table off centerline with room for up to six to lounge or dine comfortably under cover (cover new 2025)
- Exceptional natural light and ventilation
- Closing rear curtains (new 2024) and heat for use in colder climates.
- Full headroom throughout
- “Starboard” splashboards between the cockpit and the pilothouse for water management in high seas
- (3) controllers for solar panel
- Opening forward window, (3) opening ports overhead
- New pilothouse cushions, including foam (new 2025)
- Several USB outlets
- All instruments are Raymarine I70 series, fully integrated, including high speed switch for chart, radar view, and data sharing
- 9 inch Raymarine Axiom Pro in cockpit (new 2024)
- New cockpit cushions, including foam (new 2025)
- Ritchie compass
- Generous cockpit with seating for 6
- Fold-up teak cocktail/dining table
- Visibility around the pilothouse when sitting on the outboard aft cockpit seat within easy reach of the steering wheel.
- Raised cockpit sole for visibility over low-profile pilothouse while standing.
- All sail controls are led aft below deck
- Synthetic cockpit grates for reduced maintenance
- Two propane tanks (tested 2024) and extra propane adapter for international filling
- Winches easily accessible to the helmsman (ideal for shorthanded sailing)
- (2) primary winches- Harken 56.3 (electric)
- (2) secondary - Harken 48 (one is electric, one manual)
- (2) running backstay - Harken 32 (manual)
- Gearboxes replaced for both primary winches (new 2016)
- Morse engine control and cables replaced (2024)
- circular seating area to starboard for up to seven people
- Settee on port side converts to over / under pilot berths, with lee cloths (ideal sea berth)
- Interior cushions replaced 2017
- 32" OLED TV
- TV antenna
- All lighting is LED with the exception of chart table light in pilothouse
- 16,000 BTU air conditioning (and reverse cycle heating) (new in 2016)
- Hull ports
- Opening window ports
- (2) 12v fans (new 2022)
- 120v outlets
- Generous storage under seating areas
- Custom made bar
- Kenwood Audio with individual volume controls in fwd cabin, pilothouse and main salon
- Independent DC powered SeaFrost front-opening refrigerator (14 cubic feet) (new 2019)
- Independent DC powered Sea Frost deep freeze (9 cubic feet) (new 2019)
- Refrigeration includes optional seawater pump – normally not needed/used
- Numerous drawers and lockers for provisions
- (4) burner propane stove/oven, Force 10
- Updated propane stove burners (new 2023)
- Twin dish stainless steel sink
- Galley macerator pump (new 2021)
- Propane detection system (new 2025)
- Large compartment for galley trash
- Microwave (new 2019)
- 120v outlets (with integrated USB outlets)
- Large U-berth with (2) 36-inch wide berths that can be converted into a king-size double
- Port and starboard cabinets
- Solid American cherry hull ceiling
- Large en-suite head
- Separated stall shower
- Electric “quiet flush” salt water head
- (2) 12v fans (new 2021)
- (2) 12v reading lamps
- Large overhead opening hatch
- Cedar-lined, insulated and lighted closets
- USB outlet
- Over/under berths (with lee cloths)
- (2) reading lamps
- (2) 12v fans
- USB outlet
- hanging locker with drawers and cubby
- Direct access to guest head from aft door
- Electric “quiet flush” fresh water head, can use either fresh or seawater flush via a flip of a switch
- (2) fresh water flush solenoids in the aft head to maximize flow volume
- Opening window port
- Opening deck hatch
- Fischer Panda 6kw generator - 850 hrs, (motor mounts updated in 2017)
- Generator lift pump (replaced 2023)
- Generator fuel filtration system (upgraded 2024)
- Yanmar 4LHA 160hp, approx. 2850 hours (new 2015)
- 3 blade PYI MaxProp
- 3 aircon zones, with individual pumps for seawater cooling (2 replaced 2016) (16,000 BTUs each, in main salon and pilothouse, 7500BTUs in forward cabin)
- 1200 amp hours of lithium batteries (new 2024)
- Bow Thruster battery replaced (new 2024)
- Engine start battery (new 2024)
- Engine control panel (new 2020)
- Dedicated 24V bow thruster battery charger
- Dedicated battery charger / tender for engine start battery
- Engine compartment exhaust fan (new 2024)
- Two VHF antennas – one on masthead (2024) and on the radio mast (2017)
- Centerboard pennant (new 2024)
- Spare Raymarine autopilot pump and ram
- Switch to enable use of bow thruster battery on house bus
- Factory rebuild of Navtech Hydraulics control panel in 2021
- Work bench area with direct and easy access to the main engine accessible through door in guest head
- Various pumps and compressors are accessible by a lift-up hatch on the starboard side of pilothouse
- 30 and 50 amp shore power inlet
- Tankwatch III monitors, replaced all tank level gages (2023)
- Fresh Water pump upgraded to 60 PSI, 5 GPM (new 2023)
- Isotemp Electric Marine Hot Water Heater
- (3) solar panels on pilothouse (3) solar panels on bimini, (1) solar panel on cabin top making 960 watts of solar; switches to disconnect solar if needed
- Pure Sine Wave 2000 W inverter (new 2022)
- Transmitting Raymarine AIS with mute switch (new 2016)
- Relay system to allow paralleling the house battery with the engine start battery (from the cockpit)
- 220 V - 120 V Inverter available for use in European electrical environment
- Black water pump (new 2017)
- Diesel tank: 200 gals; at 1400rpm, Yanmar burns 1gph, for 8 days of run time
- Water tank: 400 gals
- Holding Tank
- Hypalon dinghy and 9 hp outboard (negotiable)
Any clothing, artwork, tools, gear, galleyware, or any other personal items seen onboard or in photos/video and not listed above are at the discretion of the Seller.
East Coast Yacht Sales offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/13/26 | Initial price | $399,000 |
Overview from around the web 1996 Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse
Customers praise the 1996 Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design
Many highlight the spacious and well-appointed pilothouse, which offers excellent visibility and comfort for extended cruising. Owners appreciate the solid construction and reliable performance, noting that the boat handles well in various sea conditions. The quality of the interior woodwork and attention to detail are frequently mentioned, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere onboard. Additionally, users value the ample storage and thoughtful layout, making it ideal for both short trips and long voyages. Overall, the 1996 Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse is celebrated for blending classic elegance with practical functionality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1996 Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse is a well-regarded cruising yacht known for its blend of classic design and solid construction. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Quality Craftsmanship: Built with meticulous attention to detail, featuring high-quality materials and excellent joinery typical of Little Harbor yachts.
Spacious Pilothouse: The pilothouse design offers excellent visibility and protection from the elements, making it comfortable for extended cruising in various weather conditions.
Robust Performance: Powered by reliable engines and designed with a well-balanced hull, it delivers steady and efficient sailing as well as comfortable motoring.
Comfortable Accommodations: The interior layout is thoughtfully designed with ample living space, including a well-appointed galley, comfortable cabins, and plenty of storage.
Timeless Aesthetics: Classic lines and elegant styling make the Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse attractive both at anchor and underway.
Cons
Maintenance Intensive: As a high-quality, older vessel, it may require ongoing maintenance and occasional upgrades to keep systems current and in optimal condition.
Weight and Draft: Being a sturdy cruising yacht, it has a relatively heavy displacement and deeper draft, which might limit access to shallow cruising grounds.
Limited Modern Electronics: Depending on updates, some models may lack the latest navigation and onboard technology, necessitating upgrades for modern cruising needs.
Cost: The initial purchase price and upkeep of a well-built yacht like the Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse can be higher compared to similar-sized production boats.
Made For
The 1996 Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse is ideal for discerning sailors and cruising enthusiasts who value a blend of classic craftsmanship, spacious comfort, and reliable performance. Designed for extended offshore adventures or coastal cruising, this yacht suits individuals or couples seeking a well-built, elegant vessel with a spacious pilothouse for protected navigation and comfortable living aboard. Its robust construction and thoughtful layout make it perfect for those who appreciate traditional design combined with modern amenities, offering a safe and stylish platform for both leisurely cruises and serious passagemaking.
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Other Information about East Coast Yacht Sales
East Coast Yacht Sales is a high quality dealership and brokerage firm with a charismatic team of experienced yacht consultants, service technicians, and support staff who all have a passion for people, boats, and the water. Dealers for Axopar, Targa, Sirena, Boston BoatWorks, & J Boats.
With almost 40 years in the business, East Coast Yacht Sales has grown to eight offices throughout the northeast. You can find ECYS in the same Yarmouth, ME flagship location that was its birthplace, in addition to: Camden and Belfast, ME, Manchester, MA, Newport, RI, Mystic, CT, Long Island, NY, Atlantic Highlands, NJ and Annapolis, MD.
Boat Location
Contact East Coast Yacht Sales about 1996 Little Harbor 51 Pilothouse
7320 Edgewood Road, Building 6, Annapolis, Maryland, 21403
Contact East Coast Yacht Sales
7320 Edgewood Road, Building 6, Annapolis, Maryland, 21403
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