1941 Chris Craft1 19 Barrel Back Sold Boat in Chatham, ON CA
Built in 1941
19 Barrel Back
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19 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
(CURRENT OWNER OF 4-YEARS) TRULY A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A COMPLETELY RESTORED "AS DELIVERED" 1941 CHRIS-CRAFT 19 BARREL BACK -- PLEASE SEE NOTES BELOW FOR HISTORY.
Restored to "as delivered" condition by: Absolute Classics Marine, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Chief restorer was Andrew Middleton.
Successfully presented at the 2014 Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Concours d'Elegance and received First Place in the Barrelback Class (16 boats). Judges scoring record is attached. Most, if not all 'deficiencies' corrected post the Lake Tahoe show.
History
Built in Chris-Craft's Algonac, Michigan boatworks, Hull Number 48817 was delivered new to James R. Bell, a Buick car dealer in Natick, Mass., and registered as "BELJIM" (for Jim Bell). At some point, the "B" fell off and she became known as ELJIM". Due to gas rationing, the boat was not used much until 1945, then summer only use until about 1966. It appears that the last time the boat was registered by Bell was 1956. A letter dated July 21, 1961, asking for an overhaul kit for a "Zenith Marine Carburetor Series 550 #80440" also exists. It then sat covered in a New Hampshire boathouse for almost 40 years as it sat from 1966 to December 2005. It was stored in a windowless boathouse to prevent UV damage, coolant drained and oil changed. Mr. Bell died, his children did not want her and she was sold in 2005 to Dr. Steve Martin of Portland, Oregon.
This early history is spelled out in greater detail in a feature story in Classic Boating magazine, Issue Number 132 (July/August 2006) where it was hailed as, "The Holy Grail of Originality".
In 2011, the boat was acquired by its current owner and commissioned to Absolute Classics for a full 'as delivered' restoration. This restoration was completed in 2014, just in time for its unveiling at Lake Tahoe. She was rechristened as "Diddit", as it was one of the bucket list of things to accomplish for the present owner.
Trailer
2005 Custom Ryan trailer. Also included is a new, full Sunbrella fabric, canvas cover.
(CURRENT OWNER OF 4-YEARS) TRULY A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A COMPLETELY RESTORED "AS DELIVERED" 1941 CHRIS-CRAFT 19 BARREL BACK -- PLEASE SEE NOTES BELOW FOR HISTORY.
Restored to “as delivered” condition by: Absolute Classics Marine, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Chief restorer was Andrew Middleton.
Successfully presented at the 2014 Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Concours d’Elegance and received First Place in the Barrelback Class (16 boats). Judges scoring record is attached. Most, if not all ‘deficiencies’ corrected post the Lake Tahoe show.
History
Built in Chris-Craft’s Algonac, Michigan boatworks, Hull Number 48817 was delivered new to James R. Bell, a Buick car dealer in Natick, Mass., and registered as “BELJIM” (for Jim Bell). At some point, the “B” fell off and she became known as ELJIM”. Due to gas rationing, the boat was not used much until 1945, then summer only use until about 1966. It appears that the last time the boat was registered by Bell was 1956. A letter dated July 21, 1961, asking for an overhaul kit for a “Zenith Marine Carburetor Series 550 #80440” also exists. It then sat covered in a New Hampshire boathouse for almost 40 years as it sat from 1966 to December 2005. It was stored in a windowless boathouse to prevent UV damage, coolant drained and oil changed. Mr. Bell died, his children did not want her and she was sold in 2005 to Dr. Steve Martin of Portland, Oregon.
This early history is spelled out in greater detail in a feature story in Classic Boating magazine, Issue Number 132 (July/August 2006) where it was hailed as, “The Holy Grail of Originality”.
In 2011, the boat was acquired by its current owner and commissioned to Absolute Classics for a full ‘as delivered’ restoration. This restoration was completed in 2014, just in time for its unveiling at Lake Tahoe. She was rechristened as “Diddit”, as it was one of the bucket list of things to accomplish for the present owner.
Trailer
2005 Custom Ryan trailer. Also included is a new, full Sunbrella fabric, canvas cover.
1941 Chris Craft1 19 Barrel Back Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1941 Chris Craft1 19 Barrel Back
Customers rave about the 1941 Chris Craft 19 Barrel Back for its timeless elegance and classic craftsmanship
Many highlight the beautiful mahogany woodwork and the boat’s pristine restoration, which captures the charm of vintage boating perfectly. Enthusiasts appreciate its smooth handling and reliable performance on the water, making it a favorite for leisurely cruises and nostalgic outings. Overall, owners praise the 1941 Chris Craft 19 Barrel Back as a stunning and well-preserved piece of boating history that offers both style and enjoyable functionality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1941 Chris Craft 19 Barrel Back is a classic wooden runabout that combines timeless style with solid craftsmanship. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Iconic Design: The Barrel Back design features beautiful curved woodwork and a distinctive rear deck, making it a standout piece of boating history.
Quality Craftsmanship: Built with premium mahogany and fine attention to detail, it offers durability and a rich, warm aesthetic.
Smooth Ride: Its hull design provides a stable and comfortable ride, ideal for leisurely cruising on lakes and calm waters.
Collectible Value: As a vintage Chris Craft, it holds significant collector appeal and can be a valuable investment when well-maintained.
Spacious Seating: Despite its compact size, it offers comfortable seating for several passengers, making it great for social outings.
Cons
Maintenance Intensive: Wooden boats require regular upkeep, including varnishing and careful storage, to prevent deterioration.
Limited Speed: Compared to modern boats, its engine and hull design offer modest speed and power.
Smaller Size: At 19 feet, it may have limited space for gear and passengers compared to larger runabouts.
Parts Availability: Finding original or compatible replacement parts can be challenging and potentially costly.
Fuel Efficiency: Older engines tend to be less fuel-efficient and may require more frequent servicing.
Made For
The 1941 Chris Craft 19 Barrel Back is perfect for classic boat enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate timeless design and craftsmanship. Ideal for those who love vintage boating experiences, it offers a blend of elegant style and reliable performance on the water. Whether you're looking to relax on serene lakes or showcase a piece of boating history, this iconic vessel is designed for individuals seeking both beauty and heritage in their boating adventures.
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Chatham, ON
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