The board of township trustees may, in a township containing a harbor or port which is outside a municipal corporation, and in which vessels are accustomed to lie for the purpose of receiving or discharging freights, if it believes the public interest so demands, appoint a suitable person to act as harbor master. The powers and duties of such person shall be prescribed by the board, and shall be such as are prescribed for harbor masters in municipal corporations in so far as they are applicable.
Such harbor master shall hold his office for one year or until his appointment is annulled by the board. He shall receive such compensation, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars each year, as the board designates, which sum shall be paid from the township treasury on the order of the board.