M.A.R. Kayaks was established in 1978.

The first factory had no more than 50 m2 and there Manuel Ramos, our founder, produced his first boats for self-use. As the sport was growing in Portugal the company increased its dimension.

After years of accumulating experience and knowledge, Nelo started the international adventure. Spain was the beginning of an international exponential development, based on the gathering of information and experience.

Nelo is now the largest canoe manufacturer in the world, and with no doubt one of the best. The factory has more than 5000m2 and 50 employees. Out of our 50 employees there is a big percent that does or has done kayaking, and that is something that we are proud of, and for sure contributes to our success.

Throughout the years we have acquired the knowledge, technology and know-how to be able to produce different types of boats and other composite parts with the same craftsmanship.

Boats

Since the start in 1978 Nelo has produced more than 30.000 boats, with a vast variety in models, constructions and technology.

The first self-designed boats date back to the end of the 80’s.
These models were improvements made from original designs, the first fully original design appeared on the middle 90’s.

Now all our models are designed and conceived by us, with the help of professional personnel and techniques. The help of our naval engineer and of our R&D engineer as well as a big investment in prototyping machinery has proved effective, making the self-design and conception very rewarding.

The challenge of constant improvement is leading us through a development process. This process started with one concept that lies underneath all our designs. During the years it suffered some readjustments, still this concept is used both in touring and sprint boats.

The main analysis are made from three main factors: performance, stability and comfort.

Location

We are based in Vila do Conde, a small city just north of Porto, in the north of Portugal.

Besides the main factory and office, we have resellers all over the world.