K248 - Nelson Zimmer Palm Beach 22 Ft. Custom Built Replica

Specification: Item K248 - 0L x 0W x 0H Inches (0L x 0W x 0H Cm)

Note: This is a special made to order item, delivery usually take 30-90 days.
Custom features such as name plate or different paint schemes are available for additional charges. Please contact us for details.

Price: $ 34,250.00

Description:

The 1940 19’ Chris-Craft Barrel Back is one of the most celebrated wooden runabouts ever built, representing the pinnacle of American pleasure boat design in the pre-war era. Instantly recognizable by its signature rounded transom—known as the “barrel back”—this model embodies the elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation that defined Chris-Craft during the golden age of wooden boating.

Our workshop faithfully recreates this iconic runabout as a full-scale, custom-made replica, built entirely by hand using traditional boatbuilding techniques. Premium materials such as Western Red Cedar, Honduras Mahogany, Teak, and US -made Hexcel fiberglass with System Three marine spar varnish, then assembled using the classic plank-on-frame construction method. Each build typically requires 4–5 months of meticulous craftsmanship to achieve both historical accuracy and modern structural integrity.

The 19’ Barrel Back is distinguished by its long, flowing foredeck, graceful sheer line, and beautifully curved stern, which gives the boat its timeless silhouette. Rich mahogany planking, king plank detailing, and a deep mirror-finish varnish highlight the natural warmth of the wood. Chrome hardware, period-correct fittings, and a refined cockpit layout further enhance its authentic vintage character. Fully customizable in layout, wood selection, finishes, upholstery, and personalized details, this Chris-Craft Barrel Back replica is not only a tribute to a legendary design, but also a handcrafted masterpiece created to be admired both on and off the water.

Basic Dimensions

Length Overall (LOA): 19 ft (≈ 228 in) — overall hull length.

Beam: 7 ft 1 in (≈ 85 in)

Draft: Classic hardwood runabouts of this era typically draw ~14 – 18 in depending on load and engine installation.

Construction & Design

Builder: Chris-Craft Corporation (USA).

Model/Style: Barrel Back custom runabout — named for its distinctive rounded transom (“barrel back”) style which contributes to hull flare and aesthetics.

Hull Material: Traditional mahogany wood planking (original or restored, often with epoxy/modern bottom in restored boats).

Engine & Propulsion

Original Engine (common period spec): Chris-Craft Model M flathead inline-6

Displacement: ~ 283 cu in (≈ 4.6 L) (Model M)

Horsepower: ~130 hp — period marine engine used in original production.

Modern Restorations: Many examples are repowered with contemporary engines for reliability, such as small V-8 MerCruiser marine engines.

Drive Type: Inboard with conventional shaft and propeller.

Weight & Capacity

Passenger Capacity: Typically 4–6 persons (open cockpit layout with forward and aft seating).

Layout & Features

Cockpit: Open runabout style with comfortable seating and classic banjo steering wheel.

Windshield: Bugatti-style windshield was fitted on many restored or original models.

Interior: Leather or classic upholstery in restored boats; original period finish in well-maintained examples.

Production & Rarity: Built in limited numbers between late 1930s–early 1940s — these are now highly prized collectible runabouts.

Every wooden boat crafted by us is built from authentic classic wooden boat plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the boat to order—offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models.

Contact us to bring your 1940 19' Chris Craft Custom Runabout "Barrel Back Replica Boat to life.

Note:

* Price starting at 32k and applies to the wooden hull only (Not include motor or hardwares or shipping).

History:

The Palm Beach 22’ design is associated with Nelson Zimmer, a respected American boat designer known for creating elegant and well-proportioned wooden runabouts during the mid-1900s. His designs emphasized simplicity, balance, and usability, appealing to owners who valued craftsmanship and classic style over excessive ornamentation.

The Palm Beach series became popular for its versatility and refined appearance, particularly in coastal and inland waterways where leisure boating flourished after World War II. The 22-foot configuration offered an ideal balance of size, comfort, and performance, making it suitable for day cruising and social outings.

Today, original Nelson Zimmer boats are rare and highly regarded. Custom-made replicas of the Palm Beach 22’ preserve the designer’s legacy, allowing modern owners to experience the charm of a classic wooden runabout while benefiting from contemporary materials, construction techniques, and customization options.