Brazilian marine industry: archived 2018 study

Dec 13, 2018

3 min read

Updated: Oct 11

HISTORICAL ARCHIVE — This article compiles information and sources cited in the context of 2018. Statistics, roles, forecasts and developments reflect that period and have not been updated as 2026 indicators. Forecasts do not establish that the projected outcomes later occurred.

In the original edition's historical compilation, IstoÉ Dinheiro was cited for an estimate of approximately 814,500 recreational vessels in Brazil. The article also recorded boat-to-population ratios of 1/254 in Brazil, 1/23 in the US, 1/63 in France, 1/66 in England and 1/125 in Italy, together with approximately 120 boatyards and average production of 3,300 boats per year. These figures are records from that period, without validation as a current picture of the sector.

Line chart of the Brazilian boating market, with a historical series and a dotted buying-and-selling projection.

ACOBAR

According to ACOBAR, the Southeast and South regions account for more than 85% of boatbuilders, particularly the states of São Paulo (35% of all boatbuilders), Santa Catarina (21%) and Rio de Janeiro (14%). The South is home to one of Brazil’s most traditional and active marine clusters and has the country’s second-largest concentration of boatbuilders and marine equipment and accessory manufacturers. The BR-101 corridor in Santa Catarina is the region’s most important marine cluster, behind only the coasts of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The area includes yacht clubs, boat storage facilities, hotels, real estate developments and premium marinas. It is no coincidence that the Itajaí, Balneário Camboriú, Tijucas and Florianópolis area is home to Brazil’s second-largest marine industrial cluster, with more than 48 boatbuilders, most specializing in sport and recreational powerboats from 16 to 120 feet.

Chart of the boating fleet by region: Southeast 52%, South 36%, Central-West/North 11% and Northeast 1%.

ACOBAR

FORECASTS RECORDED IN 2018

For the twenty-first São Paulo Boat Show, in 2018, the original article recorded 33,500 visitors, approximately 250 vessels sold and around R$ 155 million in direct sales. These are historical figures reported by the original edition's sources, without an update in this review.

The original article presented Tijucas Marine Center (TMC), in Tijucas, Santa Catarina, as an 804,000 m² development associated with industry, trade, services and marine tourism. It recorded construction starting in 2018 and a then-announced forecast for the first phase to finish in 2020. This review preserves the information as a historical announcement; it does not confirm completion, current status or outcomes of the development.

STATEMENTS AND ROLES CITED IN THE HISTORICAL EDITION

“We believe this is a period of recovery, with the country taking a new direction. We have returned to 2015 figures after weaker years in 2016 and 2017. That is already progress,” says the owner of Mestra Boats, José Eduardo Cury. The company participated in the São Paulo Boat Show, which took place in early October. The show generated about R$155 million in sales. “Because our segment is not essential, the economy affects us. This year we are already producing at a normal pace, and the Boat Show brought demand and business above expectations,” Cury says.

The CEO of Intermarine, Roberta Ramalho, sees performance at the 2018 SP Boat Show as a useful indicator for 2019. “It exceeded our expectations. Everything we prepared for next year came together at the show.” She says the company grew even during the crisis by specializing in larger boats. “These are vessels over 42 feet. We also focus on development and innovation. Our revenue grew 62% between 2016 and 2018, and we expect 59% in 2019.”

The commercial director of Sedna, Marçal Martins, says 2018 was in line with expectations until the Boat Show. “The show took us beyond expectations. If the elections had taken place earlier, it would have been better.” He projects 5% growth over 2017 and explains that the strongest demand comes from the cruising-yacht segment. “It accounts for around 90% of sales. We also work with fishing and sport models,” he says.

The same view is shared by Allan Cechelero, director of Triton Yachts, Fishing Raptorand Armatti Yachts. “Although the economic crisis has made consumers in various sectors uncertain in recent years, in 2017 we already saw signs of improvement, and we believe growth will be even stronger in 2018,” he adds.