Most boats used in Michigan must be registered. Boats are registered by your dealer when you buy it, or at any Secretary of State Branch office, the same place you get your automobile license.
Boats that MUST be registered are:
A motorboat any size, any type even with an electric trolling motor.
A sail boat of any size except a sail-board.
A rowboat over 16 feet long.
A livery craft of any size or type.
Any documented vessel.
Using numbers shown on the registration or certificate of number and the decal issued with the certificate, the numbers must be painted, applied or permanently attached to the front half of the boat as shown.
Letters and numbers must be:
At least 3" high
Block type letters
Color contrast with the hull color
Space between the letters and numbers equal to the width of another letter except "I".
The decal must be applied 3" behind the last letter reading from left to right on each side.
Boats - less than 16 feet, canoes and kayaks - 1 approved PFD of any type for each person on board. Wearable types must be the right size for the person using it.
Boats - 16 ft. or longer - 1 approved wearable type PDF for each person on board and 1 approved throwable for the boat. Wearable types must be the right size for the person using it. The throwable must be immediately available.
In order to be acceptable, all PDF's must be in good condition, no rips or tears, readily available, not in plastic bags or hidden from view in compartments or spaces making them unavailable, and have a legible approved label.
The above information courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The owner of any vessel is personally responsible for any damage to life or property resulting from a wake or swell created by the negligent operation of the vessel, where the vessel is being operated with his consent.
Source: MLSA
