1. (1) The owner of a boat shall be liable for the negligent operation of the boat in the same manner and to the same extent as the owner of a motor vehicle is liable under the rule of law which holds one person liable for the act of another who operates a motor vehicle for a family purpose.
2. (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply in actions in which courts of admiralty have jurisdiction.

[Formerly 488.178]