Wooden Boat USA
Nelson Zimmer Palm Beach 22 Ft. Custom Built Replica
Nelson Zimmer Palm Beach 22 Ft. Custom Built Replica
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Description:
The 1940 19’ Chris-Craft Barrel Back remains one of the most celebrated and collectible classic wooden runabouts ever created, symbolizing the peak of American pleasure boat design before World War II. Recognized instantly by its distinctive rounded transom, or “barrel back,” this timeless model reflects the artistry, precision, and innovation that defined Chris-Craft Corporation during the golden age of wooden boating.
Each Barrel Back replica is built entirely by hand in our workshop using traditional plank-on-frame construction, paired with modern reinforcement for lasting strength. Crafted from premium materials such as Western Red Cedar, Honduras Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass, the boat is finished with System Three marine spar varnish for enduring beauty and protection. Every build requires approximately 4–5 months of meticulous workmanship to achieve museum-quality standards and historical accuracy.
The 19-foot Barrel Back features a long, elegant foredeck, graceful sheer line, and the unmistakable curved stern that gives the boat its iconic silhouette. Deep mahogany planking, king-plank detailing, and a mirror-gloss varnish enhance the warmth and natural grain of the wood. Chrome fittings, period-correct hardware, and a refined cockpit layout add to its authenticity. Fully customizable in layout, materials, and finishes, this replica offers a seamless blend of classic design and modern craftsmanship—perfect for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Basic Dimensions
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Length Overall (LOA): 19 ft (≈ 228 in) — overall hull length
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Beam: 7 ft 1 in (≈ 85 in)
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Draft: Classic hardwood runabouts of this era typically draw ~14 – 18 in depending on load and engine installation
Construction & Design
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Builder: Chris‑Craft Corporation
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Model/Style: Barrel Back custom runabout — named for its distinctive rounded transom (“barrel back”), contributing to hull flare and visual appeal
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Hull Material: Traditional mahogany wood planking (original or restored, often with epoxy or a modern reinforced bottom)
Engine & Propulsion
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Original Engine (period specification): Chris-Craft Model M flathead inline-6
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Displacement: ~283 cu in (≈ 4.6 L)
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Horsepower: ~130 hp — typical of original production units
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Modern Restorations: Frequently repowered with small V-8 MerCruiser engines for improved reliability
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Drive Type: Inboard with conventional shaft and propeller
Weight & Capacity
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Passenger Capacity: Typically 4 – 6 persons (open cockpit layout with forward and aft seating)
Layout & Features
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Cockpit: Open runabout style with classic banjo steering wheel and comfortable seating
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Windshield: Bugatti-style windshield fitted on many original and restored examples
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Interior: Leather or classic marine upholstery, matching period specifications
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Production & Rarity: Built in limited numbers between the late 1930s and early 1940s; surviving examples are now highly prized by collectors
Each wooden boat we craft is based on authentic, classic wooden boat plans, with full credit to the original designers. For every custom commission, we obtain the correct plans and construct the vessel to order—available as either full-size functional boats or finely detailed scale models.
Contact us today to bring your 1940 19’ Chris-Craft Custom Runabout “Barrel Back” Replica Boat to life.
Note:
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Starting price: $32,000, applies to the wooden hull only (motor, hardware, and shipping not included)
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Build time: approximately 4–5 months, depending on customization
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Constructed from authentic wooden boat plans with full credit to the original designers
History:
The Palm Beach 22’ design is associated with renowned American naval architect Nelson Zimmer, celebrated for creating elegant and well-balanced wooden runabouts in the mid-20th century. His boats were admired for their simplicity, proportion, and refined aesthetics, appealing to owners who valued timeless craftsmanship and understated luxury.
Following World War II, the Palm Beach series gained popularity among leisure boaters in both coastal and inland waters. The 22-foot configuration offered the ideal mix of size, comfort, and performance—perfect for day cruising and social outings.
Today, original Nelson Zimmer boats are rare and highly collectible. Custom-made replicas of the Palm Beach 22’ preserve the designer’s enduring legacy, giving modern owners the chance to enjoy the beauty and authenticity of a classic wooden runabout while benefiting from modern materials, advanced construction, and bespoke customization options.
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special?
Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.
- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more.
- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories.
- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.
About Woodenboat USA™
The story of time-honored traditions of boat building.
More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.
Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.
Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.
FAQ's
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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?
Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.
You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?
We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.
What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?
A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.
What type of boats do you build?
Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.
What methods do you use to build the boats?
Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.
How do I order?
Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.
How long does an order take?
Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.
How do you ship it?
We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.
How do I become a distributor of your products?
We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.
What kind of warranty can I expect?
For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.
Guidelines for use
CARE:
With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.
- It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
- Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.
STORAGE:
Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.
- Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
- Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
- Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.
REPAIR:
Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.
SAFETY:
Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.