Boat Launches In Michigan: Open Or Closed By Dnr?

Michigan has a lot to offer when it comes to boating and freshwater recreation. With over 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors, there is easy access to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides various resources to help plan boating trips, including harbor guides, reservation systems, and maps. The DNR also offers boat rentals at state parks, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle boats. In addition, Michigan has specific requirements and regulations for boating safety certificates, watercraft registration, life jacket rules, and more.

Michigan boating access sites

Michigan has more than 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors spread across the state. Boaters can easily access 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

The Michigan DNR website provides a map of the state's 1,300+ public boating access sites, as well as 80+ harbors and marinas administered by state, county, and local governments. Many of Michigan's state parks also offer boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle boats. These rentals are available at state parks and state forest campgrounds with boat launches.

Before boating in Michigan, it is important to be aware of safety regulations. All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered, and boaters born after June 30, 1996, must have a boating safety certificate to operate a personal watercraft. Additionally, it is important to check for updated information on boat launch and harbor closures, as well as understand safety information such as life jacket rules, water safety, and electric shock drowning hazards.

Michigan boating laws

Boating in Michigan is a popular activity, with its 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides a comprehensive handbook defining Michigan's boating laws and regulations, which all boat operators are responsible for knowing. Here are some key details on Michigan boating laws:

Registration and Operator Requirements:

• All watercraft in Michigan, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Department of State and display a valid registration decal. Registrations typically expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.
• Boaters born after June 30, 1996 (or July 1, 1996, according to another source), and most personal watercraft operators, are required to possess a boating safety certificate.
• There are age restrictions for operating motorboats and personal watercraft (PWC). For example, persons under 12 years of age operating motorboats must have a boating safety certificate, be under direct supervision by someone 16 or older, and the boat must have no more than 35 HP.
• Any person may operate a motorboat powered by a motor of no more than 6 HP.
• Persons 14 or 15 years of age can operate a PWC if they have a boating safety certificate and are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated person of 21 or older.
• Those born after December 31, 1978, must obtain a boating safety certificate to operate a PWC on Michigan waters.

Speed and Distance Regulations:

• The maximum permitted speed for all watercraft in Michigan is 55 mph, unless otherwise regulated.
• Vessels must maintain a distance of 100 feet from any dock, raft, buoyed or occupied bathing area, or moored vessels, except when moving at a slow-no wake speed or picking up or dropping off water skiers.
• When approaching another vessel head-on, operators should pass on the port (left) side of the other vessel.
• When overtaking another vessel proceeding in the same direction, the overtaking vessel should also pass on the port (left) side, unless it is not feasible to do so.
• Vessels approaching at right angles or obliquely to each other must navigate to avoid a collision. The vessel on the starboard (right) side should give way by directing its course to starboard, crossing the stern of the other vessel, or slowing down if necessary.
• Vessels must not be operated within 200 feet of a buoyed diver's flag unless involved in the diving operation.
• Personal watercraft must maintain a distance of 100 feet from any dock, boat, raft, or occupied bathing area when driving at speeds other than slow-no wake speed.
• PWCs must not cross within 150 feet behind another vessel moving at greater than a slow-no wake speed.
• PWCs are not to be operated on Michigan waters from sunset to 8:00 a.m. local time.
• Water skiing is prohibited between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. For PWCs, no towing is allowed between sunset and 8:00 a.m.
• Vessels should operate in a counter-clockwise fashion when reasonably possible.

Alcohol and Substance Restrictions:

Operating a vessel while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) is prohibited and can result in severe fines and/or jail time. The Michigan implied consent law applies for boat operator intoxication testing.

Additional Safety Requirements:

• Sailboats have the right-of-way over motorboats when under sail power. Motorboats should give way to non-motorized vessels.
• Motorboats are required to have mufflers or an underwater exhaust system to keep sound levels below 90 dB when tested at a stationary (neutral) engine speed from a distance of one meter (3.3 feet).
• Each vessel must carry at least one United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device per passenger. Children under 6 years of age in an open deck area are required by law to wear a Type I or Type II personal flotation device at all times.
• Vessels towing persons on water skis, tubes, etc., must have at least one competent person besides the driver to observe the progress of the person being towed.
• The tow boat must be equipped with a 170-degree wide-angle rearview mirror to allow the driver to observe the person being towed.
• Lanyards must be attached to the operator on vessels equipped with lanyards.
• The majority of state-sponsored boating access sites are posted as closed from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless otherwise posted.

Boating safety certificates

Boating laws and safety regulations are important to know and follow when enjoying the waters in Michigan. Here are some essential details about boating safety certificates in Michigan:

• Age Requirement: Boaters born after June 30, 1996, are required to have a boating safety certificate in Michigan. Additionally, most personal watercraft operators must also obtain this certificate. This requirement helps ensure that individuals operating boats have adequate safety knowledge and training.
• Obtaining the Certificate: You can obtain your boating safety certificate by completing an approved course. There are three main options: classroom-based courses, online courses, and interactive online courses. The classroom-based option allows you to find a course near you by entering your zip code. Online courses, such as those offered by Boat-Ed.com, provide flexibility to learn at your own pace and can be accessed on various devices. Interactive online courses engage students with multimedia elements like animations and virtual scenarios.
• Course Providers: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadron (also known as America's Boating Club) are two organizations that provide boating safety instruction. Their courses cater to different levels, from fundamental to advanced, and some may be fee-based.
• Encouragement for All Boaters: While certain individuals may be exempt from the legal requirement, Michigan conservation officers and county sheriffs encourage all boaters to enroll in a safety course. This recommendation emphasizes the importance of safety education for everyone operating a boat in Michigan waters.
• Replacement Certificates: If you have lost or damaged your boating safety certificate, you can request a replacement. Log in to the course website and print a new certificate, or contact the relevant authority for further assistance.
• Safety Tips: Obtaining a boating safety certificate is just one aspect of safe boating. It's also important to follow other safety practices, such as wearing a properly fitting life jacket, avoiding alcohol impairment, and conducting proper boat maintenance and equipment checks before heading out on the water.

Boat rentals in state parks

Michigan is a great place for boating, with 3,200 miles of shoreline, more than 11,000 inland lakes, and thousands of miles of rivers, streams, and bayous. Boating is one of the state's favorite pastimes, and you don't need to own a boat to enjoy time on the water. Many Michigan state parks offer boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, row boats, and more.

A day on the water could be as simple as heading to your nearest Michigan state park or rec area. More than 40 sites across the state offer boat rentals for fun and stress-free adventures on rivers and lakes. Some state park boat rentals are managed by park staff, while others are overseen by third-party vendors. It is recommended to check websites and call ahead for details, including operation days and times, fees, and pick-up/drop-off arrangements.

• Bald Mountain Recreation Area: Lake Orion
• Belle Isle Park: Detroit
• Brighton Recreation Area: Brighton
• Dodge #4 State Park: Waterford
• Duck Lake State Park: Whitehall
• Fort Custer Recreation Area: Augusta
• Hayes State Park: Onsted
• Holland State Park: Holland
• Holly Recreation Area: Holly
• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area: Metamora
• Island Lake Recreation Area: Brighton
• Pinckney Recreation Area: Pinckney
• Pontiac Lake Recreation Area: Waterford
• Proud Lake State Park: Commerce Twp.
• Seven Lakes State Park: Holly
• Waterloo Recreation Area: Chelsea
• Sterling State Park: Monroe
• Newaygo State Park: Newago
• Sleepy Hollow State Park: Laingsburg
• Traverse City State Park: Traverse City
• Indian Lake State Park: Manistique
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Paradise

Michigan boating infrastructure grants

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers Boating Infrastructure Grants to support the construction of recreational boating facilities in the state. The grants aim to achieve the following goals:

• Create dockage for transient recreational boats of 26 feet or larger, providing access to recreational opportunities and safe harbors.
• Provide navigational aids for transient boaters using these facilities.
• Enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural, natural, and scenic resources.
• Strengthen local ties to the boating community and promote economic benefits.
• Encourage public-private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Ensure continuity of public access to the water.
• Promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

To be eligible for the grant, certain requirements must be met. All facilities constructed under this program must:

• Accommodate boats that are 26 feet or greater in length.
• Be used by transient boaters who are not at their home port and are staying for no more than 15 consecutive days.
• Prohibit commercial uses or seasonal slips.
• Be designed and constructed to last a minimum of 20 years.
• Maintain their original stated grant purpose throughout their lifespan.
• Be maintained properly during their useful life.

The grant also outlines activities that are not allowed under the program, such as routine custodial or janitorial maintenance, construction of long-term rental slips, maintenance or dredging, dry land storage, and activities without a public benefit.

The DNR also offers Waterways Program Grants, providing funding for engineering studies and infrastructure improvements. These grants are available for Michigan grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites managed by local government units or state colleges and universities. For Fiscal Year 2024, the Michigan Legislature appropriated approximately $3.3 million for these grants.

Grant funding requires a 50% match of the estimated project cost, and applicants can increase their chances of being selected by providing more than a 50% match. The match can include well-documented in-kind expenses. Applicants unable to provide the 50% match but can demonstrate a "qualified need" may still apply.

The application process for the Waterways Program Grants involves several steps, including submitting a completed application form, undergoing a technical review by DNR staff, and receiving grant awards based on department review, prioritization, and funding appropriation. The annual deadline for applications is April 1.

Frequently asked questions