Boat Marinas In Michigan: Open For Business?

Michigan is a haven for boaters, with more than 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 80 harbors and marinas. The state is home to one of the largest boating communities in the country, and boating is a standard practice for many during the summer months. With thousands of lakes, including the Great Lakes, it's no surprise that Michigan offers a wide variety of attractions for boaters. So, are boat marinas open in Michigan? The answer is yes, and here's what you need to know.

Boating restrictions in Michigan

Boating is a common activity in Michigan, which boasts the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S. and borders four of the five Great Lakes. However, there are several restrictions in place for boaters in the state.

Firstly, all watercraft in Michigan, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Department of State and display a registration decal. These registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance. Additionally, anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, must complete a boater safety course approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to operate a motorized vessel. Those born after December 31, 1978, require boater education to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

There are also age restrictions for operating a boat or PWC. Individuals under 12 years of age may operate a boat with a motor of no more than 6 horsepower (hp) without restrictions. They can operate a boat with a motor of more than 6 hp but no more than 35 hp if they are directly supervised by someone at least 16 years old. Those aged 12 to 15 may operate a boat with a motor of up to 6 hp without restrictions, or a boat with a motor of more than 6 hp if they have passed a boating safety course and have their certificate on board, or are accompanied by someone at least 16 years old.

In terms of equipment, all boats must carry personal flotation devices (PFDs), visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, sounding devices, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation systems, and navigation lights as required by federal law. Boats longer than 39.4 feet must also have a bell, and all boats must carry a device capable of producing a 4-second sound that can be heard from half a mile away, such as a siren, horn, or whistle.

There are also restrictions on boating hours, with most state-sponsored boating access sites closed from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless otherwise posted. Additionally, personal watercraft cannot be operated after sunset or before 8 a.m.

Michigan has laws in place to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, which include the removal of drain plugs and aquatic organisms from boats and trailers, as well as the disposal of unused baitfish.

Consuming alcohol is prohibited at specific boating access sites and in certain parks and recreation areas during specified periods. While Michigan law does not prohibit drinking on the water, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is illegal.

Finally, there are local watercraft rules that apply to motorboats, high-speed boating, water skiing, and more for particular water bodies. These rules vary depending on the specific location and water body in Michigan.

Best marinas in Michigan

Michigan is a haven for boaters, with more than 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 80 harbors and marinas. It is the only state with two peninsulas and has the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S. Michigan is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes and is also home to Lake St. Clair, often referred to as the sixth Great Lake.

Straits State Harbor, Mackinaw City

A gorgeous harbor in the middle of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. This harbor is made for bigger boats to explore the Great Lakes, but it can also accommodate smaller boats. It offers breathtaking sunset views of the Mackinac Bridge.

Presque Isle State Harbor, Presque Isle

Presque Isle State Harbor provides some of the best views in Michigan, no matter the season. It is made for all boat types but is most popular with sail boaters and fishers.

Bay Harbor Lake Marina

Known as "The Hamptons of Northern Michigan", this marina offers a high-class, premium experience with dock spaces for every kind of boat. It also has several amenities, fishing charters, and an in-water boat show every June.

Harbor Springs

A coastal town with some of the best views and docking in Michigan. It offers white sandy beaches and white caps rolling in the distance on windy days.

Port Sanilac Marina, Port Sanilac

Located along Lake Huron's Blue Thumb Coast, north of Port Huron, this marina features 64 boat slips, a cozy lounge, a courtesy vehicle, and a beautiful park with a dog run. It is just one block from the quaint downtown area, with a historical village and lighthouse nearby.

Boat safety rules in Michigan

Michigan has one of the largest boating communities in the country due to its location bordering four of the five Great Lakes and its 3,000 miles of coastline. Here are some safety rules to follow when boating in Michigan:

Speed Limits

• The maximum speed in all water is 55 mph unless otherwise regulated.
• Slow down to a "no-wake speed" within 100 feet of the shoreline, moored and anchored watercraft, pier, person, raft, swimming area, and swimmers.
• Maintain a distance of 100 feet from any dock, boat, raft, buoyed or occupied bathing area while driving at other than a no-wake speed.
• Do not cross within 150 feet behind another vessel that is moving faster than a no-wake speed.
• Personal watercraft (PWC) should not be operated on the waters from sunset to 8:00 a.m. local time.
• Do not operate a PWC in waters less than two feet deep unless travelling at a slow, no-wake speed.

Alcohol and Substance Restrictions

• A person who is intoxicated may not operate or be in control of any vessel. Severe fines and/or jail time can result from operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal).
• Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. It can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.

Other Safety Measures

• Always wear a life jacket of the correct fit and ride with an operator who has completed a boater safety education program. 87% of people who drowned in boating-related fatalities were not wearing a life jacket.
• Check your boat before going out on the water to ensure it is properly equipped and that equipment is in good working condition.
• Carry a first-aid kit, nautical charts, and an anchor in addition to legally required equipment such as life jackets and fire extinguishers.
• Ensure navigation lights work properly and that the cabin of your vessel has appropriate ventilation to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning.
• Inform someone who is not boating with you about the details of your trip, including where you will be boating, how long you will be gone, when you plan to return, and phone numbers for emergency services.
• Watch for other boats, swimmers, skiers, and objects in the water, especially when operating in crowded waterways, at night, or with restricted visibility.
• Be aware of commercial fishing nets and buoys. Orange flagging may indicate a net in the water.
• Carry a cell phone or marine radio to call for help in case of an accident, boat malfunction, or medical emergency.
• Know the rules about motorboats, high-speed boating, water skiing, and other local watercraft rules for particular waterbodies.
• Follow boating and fishing laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, including the removal of drain plugs, aquatic organisms, and unused baitfish from boats and trailers.

Michigan's boating community

Michigan is a haven for boaters. With more than 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 80 harbors and marinas, it's no surprise that Michigan is home to one of the largest boating communities in the country. Boating is standard practice for many during the summer months in Michigan, with thousands of boaters flocking to the thousands of lakes that make up the state.

There are many beautiful harbors and marinas in Michigan, allowing boaters to park their boats while they explore the unique lake towns the state has to offer. Michigan marinas and harbors can also be overnight hotels for boaters with bigger boats. Some of the top marinas and harbors in Michigan include Straits State Harbor in Mackinaw City, Presque Isle State Harbor, Harrisville Harbor, Lexington State Harbor, and Port Sanilac Marina.

In April 2020, marinas were allowed to reopen in Michigan after Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay-at-home ban. Boating and kayaking were permitted under Whitmer's order, but jet skis, motorboats, and other comparable watercraft were prohibited.

Marinas in Michigan's Lake Superior

Michigan is a haven for boaters, with more than 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 80 harbors and marinas. Boating is a common pastime for many during the summer months, with thousands of boaters taking to the state's thousands of lakes. Michigan is the only state with two peninsulas and the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S. It borders four of the five Great Lakes and is also home to Lake St. Clair, often referred to as the sixth Great Lake.

There are two marinas in Michigan's Lake Superior:

Grand Marais Harbor

Grand Marais Harbor is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is known for its deep blue waters and white sandy beaches, which can make visitors question whether they are still in Michigan. Grand Marais is smaller than other harbors, but it is still considered one of the most beautiful places in the state. Most docking in the area is privately owned, so it is recommended to call ahead to marinas to check for availability.

Copper Harbor State Harbor

Copper Harbor is located at the top of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the western Upper Peninsula. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who love to sail or drive big boats. The Copper Harbor State Harbor and the surrounding marinas offer a unique experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the cool waters of Lake Superior or park their boats and explore the miles of hiking trails in the area.

Frequently asked questions