How are new chromosomes replicated into the next generation via sexual reproduction?
You are right that a person with an abnormal number of chromosomes will be unlikely to find an "equal" partner to mate with. This does not prevent a chromosome aberration from spreading though, and it is not necessary that the mutation is initially beneficial for it to spread. While it is true that many chromosomal aberrations may be detrimental and cause various syndromes, a chromosome split or multiplication may also be netural except for the matter of reproduction. A change in chromsome number will not be inherited deterministically, but can give rise to various new permutations in the offspring due to the mechanics of chromosome segregation during meiosis.

You can find a good explanation at Scienceblogs.com: http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/04/21/basics-how-can-chromosome-numb/ :


  The net result [of a chromosome split] is that although this
  individual is fine and healthy, a significant number of his or her
  gametes may carry serious chromosomal errors, which means they may
  have reduced fertility. They aren’t sterile, though; some of their
  gametes will have the full complement of genes, and can similarly
  produce new healthy individuals who will probably have fertility
  problems. (...)
  So our two chromosome individual will have a reduced fertility as long
  as he or she is breeding with the normal one chromosome organisms, but
  those split chromosomes can continue to spread through the population.
  They are not certain to spread — they’re more likely to eventually go
  extinct — but by chance alone there can be continued propagation of
  the two chromosome variant. Which leads to another misconception in
  the question: something doesn’t have to provide a benefit to spread
  through a population! Chance alone can do it. We don’t have to argue
  for a benefit of chromosome fission at all in order for it to happen.