Both Jan Grygier and I had the retrofit done in our boats. It makes a big difference in the perception of interior space. I was under the impression that the retrofit mast support was a complete unit which replaced everything. I had the yard do the work, so I never saw the inside of the structure. My previous support (Hull #66) was nothing more than a plywood beam, I believe. There were aluminum tubes connected to the bulkhead on either side of the passageway between the main cabin and the forward v-berth for additional support. Even with the small span between the two tubes, the mast support sagged and I used a mast jack to keep things kosher. With the new beam I don't need any of that.

:: Tom,
::
:: My bulkhead is in good shape--go figure. Thanks for the
:: tip about the retrofit mast support beam. I called
:: Schock and they still have the kits available for around
:: $500, not including the 5x9" under-deck plate which I
:: believe they have upgraded to stainless steel (they are
:: getting back to me on the price for that one). Now I
:: just have to decide whether to bite the bullet and pay
:: the $500 or to try and laminate my own stringer/beam.

:: Thanks again for the advice, and good luck with your own
:: boat.
::
:: Steve
::
:: :: Steve,
:: ::
:: :: I too am restoring an old S22, #194. My mast support
:: :: beam was o.k. but my bulkhead was rotted and needed
:: :: replacing. If you need info on replacing the bulkhead, I
:: :: might be able to help.
:: ::
:: :: On the subject of the laminated stringer/mast support, I
:: :: believe there is a retrofit replacement available from
:: :: the builder, Schock boats. Their phone number is
:: :: 951-277-3377. Might be much easier than building and
:: :: installing a new laminated beam. I believe someone in
:: :: the S.F. fleet has already installed a retrofit piece. I
:: :: am sorry I do not recall who that was.
:: ::
:: :: Tom
:: ::
:: :: :: I am in the middle of restoring a Santana 22 that I
:: :: :: recently bought (1968, hull #365) and upon removing the
:: :: :: chainplates I discovered that the 2"x10" laminated
:: :: :: stringer that runs under the mast was thoroughly
:: :: :: water-logged and mostly rotten. I cut away the interior
:: :: :: fiberglass and removed the decaying stringer and
:: :: :: discovered what was left of a 5x9" aluminum inset plate
:: :: :: directly beneath the mast that had mostly turned to
:: :: :: paste. I guess I have two questions; I was wondering if
:: :: :: anybody has experience and could give me some advice on
:: :: :: laminating and installing a new stringer; and what
:: :: :: should I replace the 5x9" plate with--stainless seems
:: :: :: like a better way to go, but it appears to have been
:: :: :: nearly a half inch thick. Any help would be much
:: :: :: appreciated. Thanks,
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Steve