1940 Chris-Craft 19 Runabout "Barrel Back" - 30-Inch Boat Model

Introduced in the late 1930s, the Chris-Craft Barrel Back Runabout became one of the most recognizable pleasure boats of its era. Built during the golden age of wooden boatbuilding, it reflected Chris-Craft's ability to combine refined design with efficient production techniques. The model is distinguished by its rounded transom, later known as the "barrel back," which improved water flow while giving the boat a smooth, continuous profile. By 1940, the 19-foot version was particularly well regarded for its balanced proportions, comfortable cockpit layout, and dependable performance on inland waterways. Production ceased as World War II shifted industrial priorities, making original Barrel Back runabouts increasingly rare. Today, the 1940 19' model stands as a lasting symbol of pre-war American recreational boating.