Design and Construction
The Chrysler 22 is built predominantly of hand-laid fiberglass with wood trim and a full inner liner or pan that predetermines the location and use of most interior spaces. The deck is more or less flush but highly cambered, and there is a partial bridgedeck—unusual for a boat of this size. Foam flotation was standard, and the original rudderstocks and cheeks were aluminum, the former being hollow. The hull carries a swing keel that draws just 1 foot 11 inches up, with a fixed keel drawing 3 feet 9 inches 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 sloop rig of the Bermuda type, with the mast mounted on a hinge for easy trailing and stepping. A pivoting internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller pivots up for shallow water, an inboard arrangement somewhat unusual for a boat of this class. Displacement is listed anywhere from 2,650 to 3,000 pounds depending on the brochure, with 725 pounds of ballast. The sail area/displacement ratio of 16.5 is respectable, and the design carries a PHRF racing average handicap of 270. With a raked stem and slightly reverse transom, the boat reads as a purposeful little racer-cruiser rather than a bare pond boat.
Accommodations
Sleeping accommodation is provided for five, built around a double V-berth in the bow cabin. A straight settee berth runs along the starboard side of the main cabin, while a dinette table to port lowers to form a second double berth. The companionway widens at the coachroof to ease cabin access, and a large foredeck hatch provides ventilation. The optional head is a portable type stowed under the bow V-berth on the port side. A pop top was optional, and test sailors found headroom lowest among the competition, so tall sailors will duck.
Known Issues
The inboard pivoting rudder has the same problems as described for the Chrysler 20 in a 2010 review, which is worth noting for any buyer expecting carefree shallow-water pivoting. The aluminum rudderstocks and hollow cheeks were original equipment and may be points of wear or corrosion after decades afloat.
Refits and Ownership
Auxiliary power comes from an outboard mounted on a transom bracket, and the design includes a separate, sealed tank compartment for outboard fuel that is much admired. The option list was long for its day—pulpits and lifelines, galley and water tank, portable cooler, outboard bracket, toilet, curtains, backstay adjuster, running lights, mainsail cover, cushions, and boom vang among the extras. Two active class clubs, the Chrysler Sailing Association and the Chrysler Sailors, organize racing and keep the model visible on the water.
The Verdict
The Chrysler 22 is a thoughtfully laid-out trailer sailer with a Herreshoff pedigree and a real turn of speed for its length. Its hinged mast, pivoting keel, and self-righting claim make it a practical family cruiser-racer, while the full liner and foam flotation speak to a serious small-boat design. Tight headroom and a rudder shared in weakness with the Chrysler 20 are the caveats.
Pros
- Hinged mast and swing keel for easy trailing and shallow draft
- Self-righting claim even with keel raised
- Five-berth layout with convertible dinette and separate fuel compartment
- Active class clubs and PHRF 270 racing identity
Cons
- Lowest headroom among compared competitors per tester review
- Inboard pivoting rudder shares known problems with the Chrysler 20
- Original aluminum rudderstocks and hollow cheeks subject to age
