I don't have insurance, but I know that Brazilian insurers are expensive and picky about insuring older boats, especially sailboats. I would think you would pay around USD2K per year for insurance here. Probably not worth it. I would look for an international insurer in the US or Europe. Lucas, the big problem is that foreign boats can't stay more than 6 months in Brazil, so if the plan is to stay for a long period (years), you pretty much have to buy your boat in Brazil to be able to keep it here and cruise here long term. The good news is the US dollar goes far here (USD1 to R$4.16) and you can pick up a decent 35ft boat for under USD50K.

Brazil is very cheap in general (if you have USD). You can hire unskilled workers for about USD25 per day, skilled workers for USD60 per day and a haul out is around USD500. You can certainly cruise very comfortably on USD1K per month (or even USD500 if you are a bit frugal).

thank you so much for the info. could you give me a ball park on how much insurance would cost for a 40 foot sloop or ketch right built in the 1980's giver or take 10 years either way. and with the boat being worth say 50 k or bought for 50k. do they base it off a appraisal of the boat or what you paid? and does you log book or experience in nautical miles come into play?


what about a boat haul out there and labor costs for say a new bottom coat.any idea?
thanks for you time . very appreciated

Lucas, I've lived in South America for over 20 years, most of it in Brazil. The cost of living is quite low in USD with the current exchange rate. If I were thinking of moving to Brazil and keeping a boat here, I'd look at Ilhabela (an island on the coast of São Paulo). I lived there for 3 years. It's a delight. There are other places as well- Brazil has a long coast, but the coast of Rio and São Paulo offers the best sailing in terms of islands, coves and thousands of great beaches and anchorages. There are no hurricanes here, so it's year-round sailing. Use google maps to check out the coast between Ilhabela and Rio. When you get a better idea of your plans, let me know and I can provide more specif information.

You can comfortably live and sail here for under USD 1,000 a month (excluding health insurance and lengthy marina stays, which are not necesary given the MANY protected anchorages).

I have not sailed in south America but I would sure like to. I am not sure the cost of living and food for someone from month America or say guesthouses or renting a flat for a month to see the country. I heard real estae is cheap due to the government and cooruption maybe, not sure

what do you know about living around there. I am not sure where the sailing community is concentrated if it is in one area more than another.