SANTANA 22 INTERIOR MODIFICATIO

[Half scratched]

I have a 1976 Santana 22 that I have been restoring. I repaired the hull blistering and gave her a fresh new barrier coat and ablative. Next I am turning my attention to the interior.

I cut out the rotten V birth to expose the bulk head and noticed some rot. I have seen some pictures of santanas that someone has cut down the bulk head to within a few inches of the chain plate. I would like to do this but I am concerned I would lose some strength in the boat. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I would like to go from the first image below to the second.

[Adelie]

Cutting back the bulkhead increases the span of the mast bridge, the thickened deck section under the mast. On my Cal20 there are 2 stainless posts and a really serious bridge 3-4" deep where the bulkhead would be.


A house is but a boat so poorly built and so firmly run aground you would never try to refloat it.

[Half scratched]

Is this a modification from the original? If so, did you complete the changes?