(a) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) "Owner" means a person other than a secured party who has title to personal property or who has the use and possession of personal property subject to a security interest.

(2) "Watercraft" means any boat, vessel, or craft, other than a seaplane, used as a means of transportation on water.

(b) The owner of a watercraft shall be liable for any tort caused by the operation of the watercraft, in the same manner and to the same degree as the owner of an automobile is liable for torts caused by its operation.