Musketeer 17 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Chrysler Musketeer 17 is defined by its use of pivoting centerboards (often referred to as daggerboards in contemporary literature), a design choice by Herreshoff that provided significantly better upwind tracking than the boardless catamarans of the 1970s. With approximately 190 square feet of sail area across the main and jib, the boat possesses a generous power-to-weight ratio, though its displacement of nearly 400 pounds makes it heavier and more planted than many of its contemporaries.

According to technical specifications preserved by the Chrysler Sailors resource, the boat’s 8-foot beam provides a stable platform that resists the sudden capsizing common in narrower designs. On the water, the Musketeer is known for its "dry" ride; the hulls have more buoyancy in the bows than a Hobie, reducing the tendency to "pitch-pole" in heavy air. The pivoting rudders and boards allow for easy beaching, making it an ideal choice for lake sailing and coastal exploration. Owners often report that while it may not outpace a specialized racing cat in a straight line, its ability to point high and tack reliably—thanks to the deep-biting centerboards—gives it a tactical advantage in light-to-moderate wind conditions.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Musketeer 17 was a centerpiece of Chrysler’s aggressive "Man-Sized" marine marketing campaign in the mid-1970s. It appeared frequently in "The Chrysler Crew" advertisements, often pictured alongside the Chrysler 22 and the Charger powerboat line to showcase the brand's versatility. While it never achieved the cult-like racing status of the Hobie 16, it remains a "sleeper" classic in the multihull world, often cited in historical retrospectives of Halsey Herreshoff’s career as a rare example of his foray into production catamaran design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Musketeer 17, the age of the fiberglass and the unique hardware requirements are the primary concerns. Buyers should focus on these high-signal areas:

• Daggerboard Trunk Integrity: Because the Musketeer uses pivoting boards rather than fixed keels, the trunks are high-stress points. Inspect the fiberglass where the trunk meets the hull for spider cracking or signs of water ingress into the core.
• Trampoline Tracks: The Musketeer uses a specific aluminum track system to tension the trampoline. These tracks can pull away from the hulls if the boat was over-tensioned or if the underlying fiberglass has softened.
• Mast Step and Compression: Check the mast step on the forward crossmember. Heavy use can lead to deformation of the aluminum beam or hairline fractures in the supporting hardware.
• Foam Core Saturation: Like many 1970s Chrysler boats, the Musketeer hulls utilize foam for buoyancy and stiffness. If the boat has been stored uncovered or left in the water, the foam can become waterlogged, significantly increasing the weight and sluggishness of the vessel.
• Original Hardware: Much of the "Star" brand hardware originally used by Chrysler is long out of production. While modern blocks and cleats can be retrofitted, the specific rudder castings and pivot pins are difficult to replace and should be checked for corrosion or bending.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data, rigging guides, and historical brochures is the Chrysler Sailors organization, which maintains an extensive archive of Herreshoff’s original design intent and factory specifications. Additionally, the Chrysler Marine Owners groups found on broader sailing technical wikis provide a repository for DIY repairs, particularly for adapting modern trampoline materials to the Musketeer’s unique frame.

The Verdict

The Chrysler Musketeer 17 is a thoughtfully designed "gentleman’s catamaran" that offers a stable, predictable platform without sacrificing the thrill of multihull speeds. It is an excellent choice for sailors who prioritize handling and upwind performance over extreme athleticism.

Pros

• Exceptional stability due to its 8-foot beam and Herreshoff hull form.
• Superior upwind tracking compared to most vintage beach catamarans.
• Robust construction that handles beaching and family use with ease.
• Unique historical pedigree as a rare Herreshoff multihull.

Cons

• Heavier than modern catamarans, making it more difficult to solo-launch or trailer.
• Sourcing original replacement parts for rudder assemblies can be challenging.
• Susceptible to hull weight gain if the internal foam becomes saturated.