A sailboat is a magical mode of transportation. When the wind is right, you can coast across the water in quiet solitude, accompanied only by the sound of the wind, waves, and lines rhythmically working in harmony.
Our first sailboat was a 1976 Chrysler named JACKPOT—a 26-foot boat with a swing keel and a beautiful waterline.
JACKPOT was our first sailboat together, and we learned a lot from our time with her. We bought her in Washington, NC, which is situated along the Pamlico River—not the easiest place to sail. The Pamlico is known for extreme depth fluctuations (and sometimes no water at all), as well as submerged trees and stumps. The water has very low visibility and the weather can be unpredictable.
Even with all of that, we enjoyed our time there. We initially kept JACKPOT in a slip at the campground where we were staying, but soon realized the draft was just too deep for that location. So, we moved her south to McCotter’s Marina in Washington, NC, which worked much better. There, we could haul her out for maintenance and sail directly off the docks.
History
The 1976 Chrysler sailboat is part of a series produced by Chrysler Corporation during the 1960s and 1970s. While Chrysler is better known for its automobiles, the company ventured into the marine industry in the mid-1960s, producing a range of sailboats that became popular for their durability, affordability, and ease of handling.
Chrysler entered the marine market with its acquisition of Texas Marine International in 1965, which gave them access to existing expertise and manufacturing capabilities. The sailboats produced by Chrysler Marine during this period earned a reputation for being solidly built and user-friendly—appealing to both novice and experienced sailors alike.
The 1976 models reflected the design trends of the era, emphasizing practicality and performance. Chrysler Marine offered several models during this time, including the Chrysler 22, Chrysler 26, and Chrysler 30, each designed to serve a different segment of the sailing market. These boats typically featured sleek lines, spacious interiors, and reliable performance, making them a favorite among recreational sailors.
Specifications
While the specific model of your 1976 Chrysler sailboat isn’t mentioned, here are general specifications common to the Chrysler 22, one of the popular models from that time:
Chrysler 22 (C-22) Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 22 feet (6.71 meters)
- Beam: 7.92 feet (2.41 meters)
- Draft:
- Swing Keel Up: 1.83 feet (0.56 meters)
- Swing Keel Down: 5.5 feet (1.68 meters)
- Displacement: 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms)
- Ballast: 625 pounds (283 kilograms)
- Sail Area: 210 square feet (19.51 square meters)
- Mast Height (above waterline): Approximately 30 feet (9.14 meters)
- Engine: Typically outboard, ranging from 4 to 9.9 horsepower
- Hull Material: Fiberglass
- Rudder Type: Transom-mounted
- Keel Type: Swing keel, allowing for versatility in various water depths
Recent Boat Updates
To see all posts in our 1976 Chrysler 22 tag please go there. Below is the most recent update in our Boats Category.
Chrysler 22 Photos
Photography is a big part of what we do here at Shanty Travels, so we like to include photos that are representative of the places we see. Below are some of our favorites for this category.
Lots more photos coming soon!