Design and Construction
The Chrysler 22 is built predominantly of fiberglass with wood trim, the hull being hand-laid fiberglass with a full inner liner or pan that predetermines the location and use of most interior spaces. The deck is more or less flush though highly cambered, and a partial bridgedeck is fitted—unusual for a boat of this size. Foam flotation was standard, and the builder claimed the boat is self-righting, even with the keel up. The original rudderstocks and cheeks were aluminum, the former being hollow. Externally she carries a raked stem and a slightly reverse transom, and a large foredeck hatch provides ventilation.
Rig and Handling
She is rigged as a masthead sloop (also described as a Bermuda rig) with a mast mounted on a hinge for easy lowering on the trailer. The swing keel draws just 1 foot 11 inches up and 4 feet 6 inches down, while a fixed fin keel drawing 3 feet 9 inches was also available. Steering is by a pivoting internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller; that inboard rudder pivots up for shallow water. Displacing between 2,650 and 3,000 pounds with 725 to 825 pounds of ballast (sources differ on the exact figure), she carries a sail-area-to-displacement ratio around 16.5, and her PHRF racing average handicap is 270. A 1995 Practical Sailor review noted she is still much admired for her clean lines and good looks.
Accommodations
The interior sleeps five: a double V-berth in the bow cabin, a straight settee berth to starboard, and a dinette table to port that lowers to form a second double. The companionway widens at the coachroof to ease cabin access, and a pop top was optional to add standing room—though Steve Henkel's 2010 review found headroom among the lowest of her competition. The optional head is a portable type tucked under the bow V-berth on the port side. Auxiliary power comes from an outboard on a transom bracket, and the separate, sealed tank compartment for outboard fuel drew specific praise from reviewers.
Known Issues
The inboard pivoting rudder carries the same problems as described for the Chrysler 20, according to Steve Henkel's 2010 assessment inboard pivoting rudder has the same problems. The hollow aluminum rudderstock and aluminum cheeks are original-equipment items a buyer should scrutinize. Low cabin headroom is a documented trade-off rather than a defect, but worth noting for larger owners.
Ownership and Class Support
As a trailer sailer with a hinged mast and swing keel, the Chrysler 22 is straightforward to store and launch. The long option list of her day—pulpits, lifelines, galley, water tank, portable cooler, outboard bracket, toilet, curtains, backstay adjuster, running lights, mainsail cover, cushions, and boom vang—means individual boats vary widely in fitted gear. Two active class clubs keep racing and knowledge-sharing alive, a real asset for an out-of-production design.
The Verdict
The Chrysler 22 is a thoughtfully laid-out trailerable sloop from a brief but focused production run. Her hinged mast, swing keel, and standard foam flotation make her a practical small-boat cruiser and club racer, while the full inner liner and sealed fuel compartment show careful detailing for the class. Limited headroom and a rudder system with known predecessor-model issues are the main caveats.
Pros
- Hinged mast and swing keel for easy trailering
- Self-righting claim even with keel raised
- Sleeps five with convertible dinette and V-berth
- Active class clubs support racing and ownership
Cons
- Inboard pivoting rudder shares known issues with Chrysler 20
- Lowest-in-class headroom per 2010 review
- Original hollow aluminum rudderstock and cheeks
