Design and Construction
The Chrysler 22 is built predominantly of hand-laid fiberglass with wood trim. A full inner liner, or pan, predetermines the location and use of most interior spaces. The highly cambered deck is more or less flush, and the boat has a partial bridgedeck—an unusual feature for a boat of this size.
Foam flotation was standard. The original rudderstocks and cheeks were aluminum, with hollow cheeks. The boat has a pivoting, internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller. It swings up for shallow water, and its inboard arrangement is somewhat unusual in this class.
The swing keel gives a draft of just 1 foot 11 inches when raised. A fixed keel drawing 3 feet 9 inches was also available. The builder claimed the boat is self-righting, even with the keel up, a notable safety assertion for a trailer sailer.
Rig and Handling
The Chrysler 22 carries a masthead Bermuda sloop rig. Its mast is mounted on a hinge to make stepping it and preparing the boat for trailing easier.
Published displacement varies by brochure, ranging from 2,650 to 3,000 pounds, with 725 pounds of ballast. The sail area/displacement ratio is 16.5, and the design has an average PHRF racing handicap of 270. With its raked stem and slightly reverse transom, the boat looks like a purposeful little racer-cruiser rather than a bare pond boat.
Accommodations
The interior sleeps five. A double V-berth fills the bow cabin, a straight settee berth runs along the starboard side of the main cabin, and the port-side dinette table lowers to make a second double berth.
The companionway widens at the coachroof to ease access to the cabin, while a large foredeck hatch provides ventilation. The optional head is a portable unit stowed beneath the port side of the bow V-berth. A pop top was also optional. Test sailors found the Chrysler 22 had the lowest headroom among the competing boats, so tall sailors will need to duck.
Auxiliary Power and Equipment
Auxiliary power comes from an outboard mounted on a transom bracket. The design includes a separate, sealed compartment for the outboard fuel tank, a much-admired arrangement.
The options list was long for its day. Extras included:
- Pulpits and lifelines
- Galley and water tank
- Portable cooler
- Outboard bracket
- Toilet
- Curtains
- Backstay adjuster
- Running lights
- Mainsail cover
- Cushions
- Boom vang
Known Issues
The inboard pivoting rudder has the same problems described for the Chrysler 20 in a 2010 review. That’s worth noting for buyers who expect trouble-free shallow-water pivoting.
The original aluminum rudderstocks and cheeks, the latter hollow, may also be points of wear or corrosion after decades afloat.
Class Support and Ownership
Two active class clubs—the Chrysler Sailing Association and Chrysler Sailors—organize racing and help keep the model visible on the water.
The Verdict
The Chrysler 22 is a thoughtfully arranged trailer sailer with a Herreshoff pedigree and a real turn of speed for its length. Its hinged mast, pivoting keel, and the builder’s self-righting claim make it a practical family cruiser-racer. The full liner and foam flotation also reflect a serious approach to small-boat design.
The main caveats are limited headroom and an inboard pivoting rudder that shares the Chrysler 20’s known weaknesses.
Pros
- Hinged mast and swing keel suit trailing and shallow-water sailing
- Builder claimed the boat is self-righting even with the keel raised
- Five-berth layout with a convertible dinette
- Separate, sealed outboard-fuel compartment
- Two active class clubs
- Average PHRF handicap of 270 gives it a clear racing identity
Cons
- Test sailors found the lowest headroom among the competing boats
- Inboard pivoting rudder shares known problems with the Chrysler 20
- Original aluminum rudderstocks and hollow cheeks may show age-related wear or corrosion
