Chrysler 26 Information, Review, Specs

The Chrysler 26 emerged during a period of expansion for Chrysler Marine, which had ventured into boat building in earnest in 1957 and acquired Lone Star Boats in 1965. The company's design philosophy emphasized producing versatile and accessible vessels, a vision significantly shaped by Halsey Herreshoff, who contributed to several of their larger sailboat models. The Chrysler 26, first built in 1977, was a testament to this ethos, aiming to provide a capable cruising platform in a trailerable package.

During its production run, the Chrysler 26 was available with variations, including a fixed fin keel option in addition to the standard wing keel, which had a shallower minimum draft ideal for trailerability and gunkholing. The fixed keel version featured a deeper draft of 3.92 feet and a slightly higher displacement of 5500 lbs compared to the swing keel's 5000 lbs. Furthermore, the boat was offered with two deck versions: the "Cruiser" (as depicted in some drawings) and the "Courser," which featured a more traditional coach house roof.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chrysler 26 is characterized by its robust build and stable handling, often described by owners as a "great rough water boat" with a "solid feel." Its design ratios offer insight into its performance characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At 14.10, the Chrysler 26's SA/D ratio suggests that it is not primarily designed for exceptional light-air performance. Instead, this ratio indicates a more conservative rig balanced with its displacement, contributing to its stable and forgiving nature, particularly in heavier air.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio: With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 38.00%, the Chrysler 26 provides a reasonable degree of stiffness and stability. While slightly below the benchmark for exceptionally stiff vessels (e.g., >0.40), this ratio contributes to its solid feel and ability to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling, aligning with its reputation as a reliable cruiser.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): The D/L ratio for the Chrysler 26 is 209.63. This places it towards the lighter end of traditional cruising boats, yet heavier than pure performance-oriented designs. This blend contributes to its comfortable motion in a seaway while still offering an "easy to sail" experience. The boat's overall design prioritizes stability and a forgiving nature over outright speed, making it well-suited for family cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Chrysler 26 is notable for its surprisingly generous interior volume and headroom, with some models offering up to 6 feet of standing headroom. This focus on interior space made it an attractive option for taller sailors. While specific detailed layouts can vary, typical arrangements for a cruiser of this size would include a forward V-berth for sleeping, a main salon area with settees that may convert into additional berths, a compact galley area for basic cooking, and an enclosed head compartment. Owners discussing renovations often refer to areas such as the "V-berth," "galley," and "head," confirming their presence in the boat's design. The interior finish quality tends to reflect its era and production style, with some owners noting that interiors can become "ratty" over time, suggesting that original materials may be simple or prone to wear, often leading to renovation projects.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Chrysler 26 generally praise its robust construction and solid sailing characteristics, particularly its forgiving nature and comfortable motion in rougher waters. Its trailerable design is frequently cited as a major advantage, offering flexibility for cruising different waterways. While some owners report not encountering significant recurring issues, common maintenance points for models equipped with the swing keel include inspecting and potentially replacing the swing keel cable and pivot point hinge. As with many older fiberglass boats, some owners undertaking renovations have also noted addressing minor water leaks, a common concern on vessels of this vintage. The presence of active online forums and owner groups underscores a dedicated community that continues to maintain and enjoy these classic cruisers.