Sailing Performance & Handling
The Chrysler 22 is frequently characterized by its stability and predictable motion, a direct result of Halsey Herreshoff’s design philosophy which prioritized sea-kindliness over raw racing speed. With a displacement of approximately 3,000 pounds and a ballast of 800 pounds, the boat possesses a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side for its class. This weight makes it less prone to the "twitchy" behavior found in lighter 20-footers, allowing it to track well in a chop and maintain momentum through gusts.
Most models featured a cast-iron swing keel that, when lowered, provides a draft of 4 feet 6 inches, significantly improving upwind performance and reducing leeway. When the keel is retracted to its 1-foot 11-inch minimum, the boat becomes exceptionally easy to launch from a trailer and allows for "gunkholing" in shallow coves that deeper-draft vessels must avoid. While not a light-air flyer, the boat performs admirably in moderate breezes. According to technical documentation preserved by the Chrysler Sailors Association, the boat’s rig was designed to be easily handled by a couple, often featuring a deck-stepped mast that can be raised by two people using a gin pole or a well-timed lift.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a 22-foot vessel, the interior of the Chrysler 22 is remarkably commodious, largely due to the optional "pop-top" cabin roof. When raised at anchor, this feature provides roughly six feet of headroom in the main salon, a luxury rarely found in boats of this size. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a small settee that converts into a berth, and a compact galley area. The use of teak accents and molded fiberglass liners gives the cabin a finished, professional aesthetic that exceeded the standards of many budget-oriented builders of the time.
Chrysler offered the boat in several configurations to suit different sailing styles. While the swing-keel version was the most popular for its trailerability, a fixed-keel version was also produced for sailors who kept their boats in permanent slips and desired maximum stiffness. Additionally, the Chrysler 22 had two primary sibling models: the Chrysler 20, a scaled-down version for those seeking even simpler towing, and the Chrysler 26, which applied Herreshoff’s design principles to a larger platform with a dedicated head and more sophisticated galley.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Chrysler 22 with a focus on the structural components common to 1970s fiberglass construction.
- Swing Keel Assembly: The most critical inspection point is the cast iron keel, its pivot pin, and the lifting cable. Because the keel is iron, it is prone to significant rusting if the protective epoxy coating has been breached. Inspect the trunk for cracks and ensure the cable winch is not seized.
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Chrysler 22 uses a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Soft spots around the chainplates, mast step, and stanchion bases are common signs of water intrusion and should be thoroughly checked with a plastic hammer or moisture meter.
- Pop-Top Seal: If the boat is equipped with the pop-top feature, the vinyl weather-cloth and the locking mechanism should be inspected. Over time, the gaskets can perish, leading to leaks that damage the interior woodwork.
- Mast Step Compression: The deck-stepped mast relies on a compression post inside the cabin. Ensure the base of this post and the deck area beneath the mast are not sagging, which can indicate structural fatigue or rot in the supporting members.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical data, original brochures, and restoration advice is the Chrysler Sailors Association. This group maintains an extensive archive of Herreshoff’s original specifications and hosts a community of owners who specialize in sourcing replacement parts for the unique Chrysler-branded hardware found on these boats.
The Verdict
The Chrysler 22 remains a premier choice for sailors who want the utility of a trailerable boat without sacrificing the security of a heavy, well-designed hull. While it may require some sweat equity to address decades of wear, its "overbuilt" nature makes it an excellent candidate for restoration.
Pros:
- Halsey Herreshoff design ensures excellent stability and balance.
- The "pop-top" feature provides exceptional headroom for its class.
- Sturdy fiberglass construction that has aged better than many contemporary rivals.
- High level of trailerability with a shallow draft keel-up configuration.
Cons:
- Heavy displacement makes it slower in light-wind conditions.
- Swing keel maintenance (iron corrosion and cable wear) can be labor-intensive.
- Original Chrysler-specific hardware can be difficult to source if missing or broken.
