Hey everybody... After many e-mails regarding how we manage to cruise full time on a 25 footer, we decided to post a tour of our Hunter 25.5 Empty Pocket. More than anything, we hope that you will be able to find useful solutions in your own boat as a result of some of the solutions we have presented here. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding what we have posted...

Here we go starting in the galley. We decided that we needed more counterspace (who doesnt?) and the solution was the cutting board stove top doubling as an expandable countertop.

Galley

...the cutting board fits perfectly nearly doubling our work area.

additional counter space...

...we used a windlass button for the freshwater control (located on cabin sole), we also added a salt water footpump for tasks that do not require the use of freshwater.

More galley...

One of the features aboard Empty Pocket when we bought her was an inboard engine. Hunter offered 2 versions of the 25.5, inboard or outboard, and we actually removed the terribly inefficient inboard in favor of a much more powerful outboard. We used the space in the old engine well for a 5K BTU water cooled AC unit. The dorado cowling under the counter is the outlet for the cool air. By using the dorado cowl, we can direct the cooler air exactly where we need it.

onboard AC...

...it took us a while to figure this one out. By hinging the seatback and adding a shelf behind it, we now have room for 40 cans of soda, canned veggies, or other similar items.

starboard salon storage...

...due to the fact that we have nowhere near enough room for a traditional wineglass rack, we came up with this. The clips are simply antennae clips readily available at West Marine for just a couple of bucks. It works rather well and takes up hardly any space...

wine glass rack...

...of the glass rack. Simple, yet so effective.

closer view...

...woodstove! We plan to cruise in some colder climates at some point, and this was the answer! The installation is incomplete, but is coming along nicely! We installed the stove onto two J-tubes which are pinned in place. This allows for a secure, but temporary installation. The flue vent rises up to the bronze heatsink which safely allows the exhaust to exit without fiberglass damage. When not in use, the stove secures to the underside of the anchor-box in the V-berth for storage. We will post more of this as we progress toward completion.

Yes, its a...

...AHEM!! This article is about all things functional Whisper! You could at least try to look interested!

(...a true sailing cat!)

port bulkhead...

...we LOVE canvas because it solves so many problems. These lee-cloths under the settee and under the convertible not only hide the clutter, but also keeps small things stored in their pouches.

looking forward...

... we love multifunctional electronics! from left to right: Inverter/Charger control, Solar interface, Bilge control, DC breakers, 12V plugs, Video game connections, all in one JVC CD-DVD-MP3-AM/FM head unit, XM satellite radio with WEATHER-X, Icom 706MK2 HAM radio, Standard Horizon VHF... to the right is a swing out arm for laptop and printer, above that is a storage bin there miscellaneous items are kept, DVD storage under the radio box, and canvas bags present used for storing companionway slats and miscellaneous items.

nav station...

...where we sleep! The hanging canvas locker keeps all of our seasonal clothes and lesser-used items tucked neatly up and away. In the rear at the transom, is located the solar and wind charge controllers for the Arc-Pole on the stern. Also note the antennae tuner for the HAM/Sideband radio.

Rear berth...

...yes, more canvas! That is a shoe-bag housing about 10 pairs of shoes.

shoe solution...

...where he keeps important items such as my q-tips, my chapstick, my sleeping mask, my body lotion ...etc!

Brians side of the rear berth...

...looking forward. Notice more of the canvas bags for books and crafts... (did I mention how much we love canvas? It really has been a large part of our storage solutions.)

Thats it for now... we will try to get the rest on by the end of the week. Until then, Fair winds!

From the rear berth...