Michigan Lifts Ban on Boating

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer ended a ban on motorized boating last Friday. This is an important move for recreational boaters and related businesses because the activity generates billions of dollars for the state’s economy. After all, Michigan is called “The Great Lakes State.”

Social Distancing

Like most states, Michigan is enforcing social-distancing rules and on Friday, the Michigan Boating Industries Association posted guidelines on its Facebook page. Some of those include only boating with immediate household members. Bring hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and gloves. When fueling, avoid direct contact with gas attendants, and wear a face mask.

When departing, maintain a 6’ (1.83 m) distance from other vehicles and trailers. Don’t congregate around the marina and don’t enter the ship’s store unless necessary. Once on the water, stay away from other boats. Don’t beach close to another vessel and don’t raft up. Upon returning, get your boat on the trailer quickly and don’t congregate with other people.

Gray Area

While boating is allowed, it’s not clear if marinas will be allowed to open. Whitmer did not specifically mention them in her order. One marina owner in Western Michigan was reportedly told by its attorney that it could not legally provide services to customers. Many Michigan boaters were also unsure if they could get their boats out of storage.

Economic Impact

According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, in 2018, recreational boating including manufacturers and suppliers, sales and services, boating activities and business tax revenue had an economic impact of $7.4 billion on Michigan’s economy. The marine industry employs more than 31,000 people in the state and the state is home to 1,458 related businesses.