David S. Door County Peninsula, WI
July 16 Your guys are just finishing the dock installation. It looks terrific A very competent, hard-working crew. Good guys, indeed. Thanks much!
David S
WINTER STORAGE – DOCKS & LIFTS
It’s time to think – winter storage.
It seems like just yesterday when the days began getting longer and the temperatures were rising. Now the temperatures are rapidly falling and the days are getting shorter.
Labor Day has come and gone. Traditionally, it signals the end of summer. Many people are shutting down their summer retreats and preparing them for winter storage. They are packing up and heading home. We have people from all over the country – from Florida to California and many places in between.
The Door County peninsula is a favorite retreat for many people, including Bear fans. We’ll see many of you in a few days – Sept 5th (Packers vs. Bears)
In the meantime, we hope that you will remember to call John (920-493-4405) and let him know when you are ready for the removal of your equipment. (i.e., your boat is off your lift).
While you are busy closing up your retreat, our crews are once again removing docks and boat lifts for winter storage. The water cools off quickly, and they have to go into it daily. We want to avoid working in the morning ice this year.
What can you expect this year?
The farther we get into September, the bigger the storms become. When a storm is in the forecast, we can’t respond fast enough to get everyone out of the water. Once a storm hits your equipment, there is nothing we can do except to wait it out. If there is widespread damage along the Door County shoreline it takes time to get to everyone.
Preparing for winter storage
Our equipment can go into about 4 feet of water (the operators’ cab is flooding at that point). Our crews get more than wet feet when that happens.
The sooner you notify us that you are ready, the better the chances we have to get your equipment out of the water.
Due to the potential for big storms, we try to handle the Bay first and then the inland lakes.
What should change this Fall?
We recommend that you allow us to place your equipment further up on your property. Why?
Due to the substantial damage encountered in the Spring of 2019. We understand that it may look unsightly and it’s difficult to cut the lawn under it. Plus, there may appear to be dead spots under the footpads in Spring. However, nature recovers quickly. Isn’t that better than what you see here?
Wrong winter storage
Ice Shove
In some cases, the ice moved more than 50 feet up on to the shore and lawns. In one case right into the house.
Crushing a deck and house
These are just some of the winter conditions we can expect each year. With the high water this year we expect to see even more of this in the Spring of 2020.
Remember
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in all ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and accessories.
We are located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection with Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Casey C.
From Jerry:
I have a customer just south of you that would like to look at your pier. ….. I didn’t want to share your address without your permission first. If you don’t mind I’d appreciate it.
Response:
Tell your clients they are welcome to stop anytime to check out the dock & lift… Tell them to make themselves at home… Feel free to give them my contact info and I’d be pleased to tell them my experience working with you.., It’s been a true pleasure to work with you and you’ve bent over backwards to take great care of me.
Casey C.
HOW TO ACCESS A DOCK EASIER
HOW TO ACCESS A DOCK EASIER
Access to a dock is important to anyone wanting to use a boat. Boating is something both young and old enjoy. Many memories have been created on a boat or a dock. However, those moments are not as easy for some people to enjoy.
What about those who are not physically able to get to the dock or access the boat? It may be someone with an injury to a leg. It may be an older adult. People may have a fear of falling on the shore or getting into a boat.
For some people, access to a boat is an exhausting experience. Still, they want to enjoy the experience and want to be with their family.
What can you do to help them access your boat?
How about starting at the shore end with a longer dock ramp? Why? With the increasingly high waters the last few years you probably find that the standard ramp is now very steep. Your dock has to be installed higher to adjust to these high waters, But you probably have standard 8, 10 or 12-foot ramps. Up until now, these ramps have worked very well. Those ramps, combined with the increased dock heights, have resulted in a steeper angle to walk up. It may be almost impossible for the elderly to access your dock without assistance.
What if a 10′ ramp is still too steep?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has the solution for you! After all, it’s part of our name!
What if your guests could safely walk over the rocks & the hot sand in comfort?
The first question is – Would you like a longer ramp to reduce the angle? Next, do you have an aluminum dock or a galvanized dock?
Residential gangways may be the answer for you. Residential gangways are available in 16, 20, and 24-foot lengths. The angle would be much lower and it will put your gangway much further up the shoreline to protect your dock in storms.
In most cases, we can even match your existing decking on the residential gangways.
Gangways provide easy access to a dock
What about Commercial aluminum gangways?
Need a longer length? Commercial gangways are available in lengths up to 60′ long. Included handrails give you for even more safety. Remember, commercial gangways come with aluminum decking only. Give PWS a call to get things rolling for Spring 2020.
What about galvanized docks?
PWS recently designed a 20′ galvanized dock ramp that will be available in the spring of 2020. The 20′ galvanized ramp will make your access to the dock much easier.
No more walking over the hot sand or worse yet, the uncertainties of stepping onto the rocks. Is this the year someone will twist their ankle? A twisted ankle (or broken leg or arm) can ruin the summer for months. Crutches get old very fast!
No matter how high your dock is, you will have a gentle walk to the dock height with a gangway. Forget about picking up the sand from the beach and depositing it on the dock. You’ll be walking over it.
What other solutions does PWS offer for your dock and boat lift?
Handrails for dock access safety
Dock Handrails
Dock handrails can be added to your existing dock. Put them on one or both sides of your dock for extra security for the elderly and children. They come in various lengths and mount on all of the Shoremaster Infinity dock systems.
Don’t have a ShoreMaster dock? We can custom make them fit the dimensions you need. We’re all about Solutions!
Boat Loading Handrails
Boat Loading Handrails
Boat loading handrails make it easy and safer to access your boat.from a dock. They give stability for the entire family. Have an elderly parent or friend who could use the extra support and confidence to access the boat? These handrails are a great way to provide a safe experience for them.
Where is PWS?
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and about 5 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
David S
Your guys are just finishing the dock installation. It looks terrific. A very competent, hard-working crew. Good Guys, indeed
Thanks much!
David
