Jul 10, 2018
When does a Lift Cable need Replacement?
Lift Cable replacement depends on a variety of conditions:
- Was the lift adequately sized for the boat?
Properly wound Boat lift cable
- Did you change boats since you originally bought the lift?
- Is there visual damage to the cable?
- How well is the lift cable maintained?
- How often has it been lubricated?
- What lubricant is used?
- Is the cable winding correctly on the winch drum?
- Are the cables frayed?
- Is there corrosion on the cable?
When & How Do I Inspect a Lift Cable?
The best time to inspect the cables is when it is on dry land. That way you can check all of the critical points. Ideally, the lifting rack is in the lowered position, so more cable is exposed at the winch. Try not to let the cables go slack by lowering the rack too far.
If you inspect the lift while it’s in the water, raise the lift rack out of the water to do the inspection. A complete inspection at the bottom of the lift cable should be done when the lift is on the shore again.
In both cases, examine all exposed cables for frayed or rusted wires. Pay particular attention to the cable coming from the winch.
What does a frayed boat lift cable look like?
Frayed Boat Lift Cable
Look for frayed or rusted areas on the cable. The greater the number of frayed wires the greater the risk of failure.
Excessive rust on the cable means there could be major rust inside. Rust indicates a major weakening of the cable
and should be monitored carefully.
CAUTION – Always wear leather gloves when sliding your hands on these cables. The leather will protect your hands from a frayed wire which can be a painful experience for unprotected hands. Cloth gloves will not protect you.
The Next Thing to Inspect
What type of pulley material is used on the lift rack? To cut costs, some manufacturers still use a hard, black plastic pulley. These require extra attention. DO NOT lubricate any of these pulleys. Doing so will only contaminate the water.
If you have the black plastic pulleys (or any plastic pulley for that matter) follow these instructions:
With the rack above the water look inside the exposed ends of the rack tubes:
- Are the sides of the pulleys broken or bent over? (Common with plastic pullies)
- Are the cables still riding on the pulleys?
To completely check the pulleys, you should have someone raise the rack so you can see the entire pulley as it turns. The pulley sides could be damaged, and you can only see a portion of it from the ends of the tubes. Do this at all four corners.
A plastic pulley on a boat lift Cable
Brass pullies on a Boat Lift Cable
DO NOT place your fingers inside the tube to inspect it when it is moving. You may lose your finger.
Why are Plastic Pulleys inferior?
A lift cable will easily slip off a cracked or broken plastic pulley. With the lift cable off the pulley, the load on the cable is more than double the usual tension. It also results in broken internal wire strands due to the reduced diameter of the new bearing surface.
In this situation, the pulley needs to be replaced immediately. The heavier the boat, the more important this is.
FYI in the case of the brass pulleys used on a ShoreMaster lift, we have never seen a broken or chipped pulley. Note: Only the original vertical jet ski lifts from ShoreMaster had plastic pulleys. ShoreMaster corrected this problem almost immediately and only use brass pulleys on all their lifts today.
One Final Thing to Look For
If you have a sandy beach, look for sand inside the tubes. If sand is built up inside the rack tubes, remove it as soon as possible by flushing the tube out. A sand packed tube can happen after a storm when:
- The water was heavily agitated on a sandy beach; and
- While the rack is in a lowered position.
Sand can pack so tight in the tube that the cable can not move through it. The same is true of seaweed that gets into the tubes.
In Part 2 of this 2 part series, we discuss the types of cables used on lifts today. We will also address the life expectancy of cables.
SEE also – When Should a Lift Cable Be Replaced? PART 2 of 2 – UPDATED
Reminder
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. It is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road.
Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you? Feel free to give us a call.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Jun 26, 2018
Looking for the most Dependable Door County Dock Installation?
You deserve to work with a dock installer that actually:
· Answers the phone.
· Returns your calls.
· Responds to text and emails.
· Gets the job done on time. and
· Gives you the service and attention you deserve.
If this is what you demand, talk to Jerry at Pier & Waterfront Solutions
Since its inception in 2015 Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) has consistently provided on-time installation and service.
The exception has been in 2018 when Nature decided to deposit 30″ of fresh snow in Mid May when the flowers should be coming up. To make matters worse, she kept the water frozen all the way into the first week of June. This prevented us from getting into the water and delayed the installation season by 30 days. The result was an installation season cut short by 50%.
Our crews worked 70 hour weeks to try to catch up and were able to get 90% in before the Memorial Day holiday. There was no way to make it up completely.
PWS increased its fleet of All -Terrain-Forklifts (ATF) in 2018
All Terrain Vehicle #3
All Terrain Forklifts #1 & 2
Other services provided by PWS?
Among the many services and products offered by PWS are:
- Dock & lift repairs.
- Boat lifts sales and service for all brands.
- New & Used sales of aluminum and steel docks.
- Free Insurance estimates.
- Marina sales and repairs.
- A wide range of accessories.
- Dock & lift relocation services.
What Dock line does PWS carry?
PWS features ShoreMaster docks and boat lifts with (3) styles of aluminum docks to choose from. We carry both residential and commercial-quality docks.
ShoreMaster makes one of the best, most reliable boat lifts for N.E. Wisconsin waters. Whether it’s an inland lake or the waters of Green Bay – PWS and ShoreMaster have the equipment for you.
Look around – You’ll see more ShoreMaster boat lifts than any other brand on the Door County peninsula. That speaks to their reliability.
PWS personnel have gained a reputation for dependable service on all makes and models of docks and boat lifts. Don’t forget to read our “Testimonials” for actual customer referrals. They tell the whole story better than we can.
PWS offers Sales of the best brands and services the rest. Whether it’s a simple Jet Ski lift all the way up to an Elevator or Davit lift – PWS has it available.
See our Facebook page – (Pier and Waterfront Solutions) – for more photos of our 2015 – 2018 installation seasons including residential and commercial applications.
Reminder
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. It is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road.
Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you? Feel free to give us a call.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Jun 19, 2018
A bench is a real must-have for any dock
A bench provides true enjoyment to your dock. Remember those warm early evening or morning views you enjoy so much? What better way to enjoy the view than to sit on a bench at the end of the dock with your favorite beverage.
If you neglected to get one with your dock now is the time to do it.
Are there different types of benches?
Yes, there are two different ways to mount the bench as well as different styles from which to choose.
ShoreMaster On-Deck Bench
It consists of an aluminum frame and planks for the seats and backrest. See the image to the right.
Wood planks are also available but not recommended due to the maintenance required on the wood.
The armrests and cup holders are optional.
The disadvantage of this type of bench is the fact that it takes up deck surface area. It is mounted on an “L” section along the side or end of the dock. As a result, this cuts down on the walking area of the dock. If people like to lay out on the “L” section, it can get a little more crowded.
Is there a different bench mounting available?
Yes, another mounting type is the off-deck version. With this type of mounting it takes up no deck space. The legs are secured to the outside of the dock frame. The seat does not take up valuable space on the dock.
ShoreMaster Off-Deck Bench
The bench comes with or without the armrest and cup holders. You can mount the armrests later if desired.
Does the bench come in different colors?
The most popular style is the plastic plank. It comes in Tan or Neutral Gray to match the decking. Alternatively, it can provide a contrasting finish.
Once again, the armrests can be added later if desired.
The seat and back are very easy to clean and will not stain. The plastic seat is comfortable to sit on. See the off-deck image above.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Keep an eye out for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is ready to assist year round.
Call If you want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Contact Jerry at 920-493-4404 or email him at Jerry@wisconsinpws.com
Jun 12, 2018
HOW TO ACCESS A DOCK
Gangways may be the best solution for your dock access problems.
On the Door County peninsula, the wave action is unpredictable. The only thing you can count on is – the waves will be high many times during the summer. You have to be ready for them by setting your dock high out of the water to avoid damage in those storms.
This height presents a problem. In the past, 97% of docks used a ramp to get to the dock height. In this case, the typical ramp was 8 or 10-foot long. 8’ long ramps present a steep angle which is hard for young kids and older adults to navigate.
Due to the low angle provided by a gangway, it is easier to access the dock.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
PWS has provided several different options for docks in the past. The options included – ramps, stairs and now gangways with handrails.
With the rising waters in recent years, we see damage to shorter ramps caused by debris brought in by the storms.
In addition, another problem is decking being torn off the ramp frames by the waves.
GANGWAYS – A BETTER OPTION?
Gangways come in 16’, 20’ and 24-foot lengths. The angle is greatly reduced versus a short ramp. This makes access much easier. Gangways get you away from the washed-up debris in storms.
Gangway off a seawall
If you have a seawall, gangways may allow you direct access to your dock. You may not have to go down to the beach or over the rocks at all. Gangways placed on steep embankments make the descent easier and safer.
At times, to allow access to the beach or dock, permanently mounted steps are attached to the sides of cliffs. In spring, the ice shoves damage the lower sections of the stairway. Attaching a removable or pivoting gangway to the last section can save expensive damage to the steps.
Door County Ice Shove – 2016
Many people have large boulders they must go over to get to the dock.
Gangways over the shore
Gangways can prevent twisted ankles or falls on slippery surfaces.
They are another means to access your deck on the house.
Where can you find the solution to any Dock or boatlift problem?
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, of course!
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is ready to assist you year round.
Contact us if you want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com with any questions.
Jun 5, 2018
How to Select BoatLifts – Part 2
Boatlifts come in several configurations. In part 1 of this 2 part series, we discussed vertical and cantilever lifts. What about boatlifts for larger boats?
Next, we’ll discuss Elevator and Hydraulic boatlifts.
Elevator Lift
The elevator boatlift can only be mounted on permanent piers. These piers usually consist of a concrete pier (or concrete capped, boulder pier) or as an alternate a pier mounted on permanent pilings. As shown below, the elevator lift raises the boat parallel to the pier for easy access to the boat. They are commonly used in channels and lakes with significant fluctuations in water depth.
Elevator BoatLifts
The elevator lift is powered by one or two synchronized A.C. electric motors depending on the unit size. There is no need to hand-crank this lift. A wireless remote control is used to raise or lower the boat.
Elevator boatlifts are capable of stopping anywhere along its vertical travel so it makes it simple to load and unload a boat. This boatlift makes the boat readily accessible for covering with a boat cover and loading.
Hydraulic BoatLift
In general, Hydraulic boatlifts will travel 4’, 5′ or 6’ vertically depending on the model ordered. They will handle loads up to 32,000 lbs.
Because the base is wider than a typical cantilever or vertical boat lift, you have more stability in storms.
The Hydraulic lift is one of the best for high waves and water surges. The D.C. operated units are quiet and use solar-powered batteries and wireless remote controls. No A.C. power required.
Hydraulic BoatLifts by ShoreMaster
Where can you find the solution to any boatlift situation?
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, of course!
PWS is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s just 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is ready to assist year round.
Call if you want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Contact Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com with your questions.
