With 7,500 km of coastline and waterways such as the Amazon and its tributaries, Brazil has long been considered a country with great potential for recreational boating. In recent years, the Brazilian boat market has grown steadily.
Precisely because of its diverse coastal environments and numerous waterways, Brazil allows for a wide range of boating experiences such as sailing, fishing, cruising, and water sports.
The demand for boats has expanded, driven by the increased interest in boating recreation among the population. The increasing use of advanced technology in boats has also led to the construction of state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems, which has enabled boaters to enjoy a safer and more efficient boating experience. This trend has led to an increased demand for technologically advanced boats, especially among the younger generation.
The Brazilian pleasure boat market
In 2022, sales of pleasure boats in the country reached the 2.4 billion Reais (nearly 4 million euros) mark. Motorboats, yachts and megayachts produced in Brazil are also appreciated by international consumers.
Brazil’s maturity in terms of powerboat and motor yacht production was also confirmed by Acobar, the Brazilian association dedicated to recreational boating. In the same year, the country had record exports, which totaled $30.1 million (over 28 million euros), almost four times the volume of imports ($7.6 million, or over 7.2 million euros).
According to estimates by research firm 6Wresearch, the boat market in Brazil will reach a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 6.2% in the period between 2025 and 2031.
This trend is related to economic growth and the evolution of the middle class; a higher level of wealth in the population leads to more investment in recreational activities, including boating.
The growth in demand for boats is also linked to the increase in the number of tourists visiting Brazil.
Fostering sustainability
Although the outlook is optimistic, the Brazilian marine industry faces some challenges. High import tariffs on luxury goods, such as boats, make it expensive for manufacturers to enter the market, limiting competition. All this translates into higher prices for consumers, making boat ownership a luxury for many. In addition, the lack of adequate infrastructure and facilities in some coastal areas and regulations makes access to the water difficult for boaters, limiting the market’s growth potential.
Despite these problems, there is a growing demand for environmentally friendly, sustainable and technologically integrated boats. In Brazil, as in other countries, the evolution in awareness of the impact of traditional boating on the environment is leading to a shift toward electric and hybrid boats powered by renewable energy sources. This trend is expected to continue as consumers’ environmental awareness increases.
Strengthening the industry
The Brazilian government has been working on several initiatives to strengthen the boating industry and make Brazil a more attractive destination for nautical tourism. These include regulatory reforms to simplify the process of boat ownership and management and incentives for manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly technologies.
The propensity toward experiential boating is expected to give rise to new business models and services, further enriching the boating ecosystem. In addition, as environmental regulations tighten, there will be a greater push toward eco-friendly boat innovation, setting the stage for Brazil to establish itself as a country among the leaders in sustainable nautical tourism.
A mix of local and international manufacturers
They are increasing investment in local manufacturing. Today, however, the Brazilian boat market is dominated by a mix of local and international manufacturers who are innovating in the field of environmentally friendly and technologically advanced boats. Key players include Schaefer Yachts, Triton Yachts, and Azimut-Benetti.
The country’s watercraft fleet
Brazil’s registered watercraft fleet currently exceeds 709 thousand units, most of which are motorboats. A steadily growing segment, in terms of sales, is personal watercraft (PWC), which sometimes – due to their ease of use, affordability and performance – are the first step for young people and adventure seekers into the boating world.
Events dedicated to boating
Several events dedicated to boating are taking place in Brazil. One of them is the Rio Boat Show, a boat show scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro between April 26 and May 4, 2025. This event, which aims to bring together the best of the nautical world and the luxury market in one place, attracts a highly qualified audience each year.
• For Navalshore, a trade fair for the Latin American shipbuilding industry, the date is instead between August 19 and 21, also in Rio de Janeiro. In 18 editions since 2004, the fair has hosted more than 4,100 supplier brands of products and services for the marine industry from around the world, promoting business activities and developing partnerships. In addition to the fair, each edition hosts courses, workshops and conferences.
• Another important event is the Sao Paulo Boat Show, which will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, between September 18 and 23, 2025 and will showcase the latest trends in the areas of boats, accessories, equipment, and services for the nautical market. Now in its 28th year, this event aims to transform the Latin American city into a meeting point for design, technology and business opportunities.
• Also not to be forgotten is the importance, for Brazilian recreational boating, of Acobar. The trade association for the nationwide active recreational boating industry aims to represent its members in the quest for the constant strengthening and expansion of the Brazilian nautical segment, promoting ethics and stimulating nautical culture. Acobar aims to provide utility services for its members and to represent the recreational boating industry before government agencies and Brazilian society.
Prominent Brazilian shipyards include Triton Yachts of Parana, which, with a range of boats from 23 to 52 feet, has more than 30 years of history.
BRAZIL – STATS & FACTS
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
GDP growth (2024)
+2,4%
(source: infoForeignMarkets)
GDP growth per capita (2024)
4%
(source: Trading Economics)
High Net Worth Individuals
According to research, reported by Ceoworld Magazine, in February 2025 the richest people in Brazil number 25 and have assets between $39.6 billion and $1.9 billion.
(source: Ceoworld Magazine)
Brazil – retail spending (February 2025)
2%
(source: Trading Economics)
Consumer Confidence (Consumer Confidence) (December 2024)
53.20 index points
(source: Trading Economics)
Unemployed (November 2024)
6,1%
(source: Trading Economics)
New cars sold (January 2025)
171,248 units sold (+ 6%)
(source: Marklines)
NAUTICAL MARKET INDICATORS
Turnover derived from pleasure boats sold in Brazil (2022)
2.4 billion reais (almost 4 million euros)
(source: Comex do Brasil)
Turnover derived from exports in the yachting industry (2022)
30.1 million dollars (more than 28 million euros)
Value of imports in the recreational boating industry (2022)
7.6 million dollars (over 7.2 million euros)
(source: Acobar)
Boat Park registered in Brazil
• Total nautical park: 709,184
• Sailing units: 6,820
• Motor units eb or efb: 145,966
• Units with fb motor and rigid units: 352,878
• Pneumatic units: 6,106
• PWCs: 110,213
• Other units: 87,184
(source: Icomia)
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF RECREATIONAL BOATS VALUED IN BRAZIL
The Brazilian boat market is dominated by a mix of local and international manufacturers who are innovating in the field of environmentally friendly and technologically advanced boats. Key players include Schaefer Yachts, Triton Yachts, and Azimut-Benetti.
(source: 6Wresearch)
| NAUTICAL FLEET REGISTERED IN BRAZIL | |
| Sailing units | 6.820 |
| Motor unit eb or efb | 145.966 |
| Units with fb motor and rigid units | 352.878 |
| Pneumatic units | 6.106 |
| PWCs | 110.213 |
| Other units | 87.201 |
| TOTAL | 709.184 |
| source: ICOMIA |
