Q: What watercraft are exempt from being registered? A: All watercraft on Michigan waters, including privately-owned lakes and waterways, must be registered except:
watercraft 16 ft. or less, propelled by oars or paddles, and not used for rental or commercial purposes,
non-motorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats, regardless of length,
watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.
For most watercraft the registration fee is based on length. All registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.