Design and Construction
The Chrysler 22 has a hand-laid fiberglass hull, wood trim, and a full inner liner or pan that determines the location and use of most interior spaces. Its deck is more or less flush but highly cambered, and it has a partial bridgedeck—an unusual feature on a boat of this size. A large foredeck hatch provides ventilation.
Foam flotation was standard, and the builder claimed the boat was self-righting, even with the keel up. The original rudderstock and cheeks were aluminum, with a hollow rudderstock. Externally, the boat has a raked stem and slightly reverse transom.
Rig, Keel, and Handling
The Chrysler 22 has a masthead sloop rig, also described as a Bermuda rig. The mast is mounted on a hinge so it can be lowered easily for trailering.
The swing keel draws 1 foot 11 inches when raised and 4 feet 6 inches when lowered. Chrysler also offered a fixed fin keel with a draft of 3 feet 9 inches. Steering is by tiller through a pivoting, internally mounted spade-type rudder. This inboard rudder can pivot upward in shallow water.
Displacement is reported as between 2,650 and 3,000 pounds, with 725 to 825 pounds of ballast; sources differ on the exact figures. The sail-area-to-displacement ratio is around 16.5, and the boat’s average PHRF racing handicap is 270. A 1995 Practical Sailor review noted that the Chrysler 22 remained much admired for its clean lines and good looks.
Accommodations
The interior sleeps five. There’s a double V-berth in the bow cabin, a straight settee berth to starboard, and a dinette to port whose table lowers to create a second double berth. The companionway widens at the coachroof to make cabin access easier.
A pop top was optional and adds standing room, although Steve Henkel’s 2010 review found the Chrysler 22’s headroom among the lowest of its competitors. The optional portable head is tucked beneath the port side of the bow V-berth.
Auxiliary power comes from an outboard mounted on a transom bracket. Reviewers specifically praised the separate, sealed compartment for the outboard’s fuel tank.
Equipment and Owner Support
The Chrysler 22 was offered with a long list of options, so surviving boats can differ widely in their fitted gear. Available equipment included pulpits, lifelines, a galley, water tank, portable cooler, outboard bracket, toilet, curtains, backstay adjuster, running lights, mainsail cover, cushions, and boom vang.
As a trailer sailer with a hinged mast and swing keel, the boat is straightforward to store and launch. The Chrysler Sailing Association and Chrysler Sailors continue to support racing and knowledge-sharing, which is a real asset for an out-of-production design.
Known Issues
According to Steve Henkel’s 2010 assessment, the Chrysler 22’s inboard pivoting rudder has the same problems as the system described for the Chrysler 20. Buyers should scrutinize the original hollow aluminum rudderstock and aluminum cheeks.
Low cabin headroom is a documented trade-off rather than a defect, but larger owners will want to keep it in mind.
The Verdict
The Chrysler 22 is a thoughtfully laid-out trailerable sloop from a brief but focused production run. Its hinged mast and swing keel suit trailering, while standard foam flotation, a full inner liner, and a sealed fuel-tank compartment show careful detailing for the class and make it a practical small-boat cruiser and club racer. Limited headroom and a rudder system with known predecessor-model issues are the main caveats.
Pros
- Hinged mast and swing keel make trailering easier
- Builder claimed it was self-righting even with the keel raised
- Sleeps five with a V-berth and convertible dinette
- Active class clubs support racing and ownership
Cons
- Inboard pivoting rudder shares known issues with the Chrysler 20
- Headroom was among the lowest of its class in a 2010 review
- Original hollow aluminum rudderstock and aluminum cheeks warrant scrutiny
