In São Paulo’s Ilhabela, a yellow Ferrari-like boat amazed both locals and tourists. This aquatic car signals a new luxury trend that began in Dubai and is now captivating Brazil.
Wealthy individuals find these vehicles increasingly attractive, bringing a new vibe to the country’s shores.
Entrepreneurs with vet hospitals and fashion stores, Pereira and Souza cruised Ilhabela in a Ferrari-like Sealife boat.
After seeing a similar model in Dubai, they bought one at the São Paulo Boat Show. Elisangela finds their new “car boat” a remarkable upgrade from traditional speedboats.
Sealife, based in Botucatu, sells the Supercar Jet model. Prices range from R$ 225,000 to R$ 380,000, depending on the engine.
These boats can hit 85 km/h and run for three to four hours on a 46-liter tank.
Charles Peiris, Sealife’s manager, notes the unique appeal of these boats to the affluent, having sold 12 and currently producing 15 more.
Another player, Seacar, thrives in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina.
Their Maestry model, a two-seater gasoline sports car boat priced at R$ 487,000, has found 25 buyers across Brazil, Miami, and Australia.
Demand for such innovative vessels outpaces supply, as Carlos Gayoso de Oliveira from Marina Itaja observes. These boats are a hit, especially in enclosed waters like lakes.
These aquatic cars are more than leisure crafts; they are practical with lower maintenance costs.
They resemble jet skis but offer more space and require less docking area. This has led to a surge in popularity, with marinas running out of models for demos.
To tap into the strong nautical culture, especially in São Paulo’s coastal areas, shipbuilders aim to establish a reseller network.
Elisangela and Dalberson have ventured into this market, securing exclusive rights to sell these boats on São Paulo’s north coast and some reservoirs.
The boats, available in designs similar to Ferraris and Aston Martins, allow buyers to customize colors and upholstery.
Despite the occasional splash, Elisangela considers it their best investment, highlighting the mix of adventure and luxury these vehicles offer.