The Chrysler 22 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a slightly reverse transom, a pivoting internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed fin keel or swing keel. It displaces 3,000 lb (1,361 kg). The fixed keel model carries 725 lb (329 kg) of ballast. A tall mast was also available with a mast 1.50 ft (0.46 m) higher than standard[1][2][3][4][6]
The keel-equipped version of the boat has a draft of 4.92 ft (1.50 m), while the swing keel-equipped version has a draft of 4.92 ft (1.50 m) with the keel extended and 3.92 ft (1.19 m) with it retracted, allowing operations in shallow water or ground transportation on a trailer.[1][2][3][4]
The boat is normally fitted with a small 3 to 6 hp (2 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.[1][6]
The design has sleeping accommodation for five people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin, a straight settee berth on the starboard side of the main cabin along with a dinette table that can be lowered to provide a double berth on the port side. The optional head is a portable-type and is located under the bow cabin "V"-berth, on the port side. Cabin headroom is 52 in (130 cm).[1][6]
For ventilation the design is equipped with a large foredeck hatch.[1][6]
The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 270 and a hull speed of 5.8 kn (10.7 km/h).[6]
Operational history
The boat is supported by two active class clubs that organize racing events, the Chrysler Sailing Association and the Chrysler Sailors.[8][9]
In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "...the manufacturer called this a 22-foot boat
(although in a few places we've seen 21' 7" as the LOA) with a 19-foot waterline. Just by glancing at the drawings, one can see that the LOD is only a little longer than the waterline length. We measured LOD on the drawing and got 21 2", so we're calling the boat by the length most marketers would: a 21-footer ... Best features: We noticed no special features worth mentioning. Worst features: The inboard pivoting rudder has the same problems as described for the Chrysler 20 ... a similar design. Headroom is lowest, among the comp[etition]."[6]
In a 1995 review in Practical Sailor, writer Darrell Nicholson stated, "the Chrysler 22 is still much admired for its clean lines and good looks. The option list, as with many small boats of its day, was long: pulpits and lifelines, galley and water tank, portable cooler, outboard bracket, toilet, curtains, backstay adjuster, running lights, mainsail cover, cushions, boom vang and more. Presumably, most used boats on the market today have these 'accessories.'"[10]