Aug 11, 2020
Stress – Even Boat Lifts experience it
Stress – Even boat lifts are under stress – this year more than ever before due to the high waters.
Why? High water increases the stress on your cables.
We’ve previously informed you of the danger to boat lift cables during a storm. If the waves hit the bottom of your boat it will momentarily lift the boat and then allow it to fall back on the rack. What if the cables are weakened by rust and frays? The “bouncing” effect can completely sever a cable into two pieces.
The boat only lifts a fraction of an inch – right?!!
How can that movement harm the cables?
Even though the boat only rises a fraction of an inch, the energy of the “falling” boat must be absorbed by the boat rack. The cables in each corner of the lift must, in turn, absorb the stress of a moving 3-5,000 pound boat.
Having said that, a weakened cable is in imminent danger of breaking. Think of an 80-100 lb jackhammer used to break up concrete. Even reinforced concrete can not withstand the movement of the bit hitting the concrete.
With a boat, you are talking about a potential 5,000 lb weight dropping on a rack compared to an 80-100 lb. weight.
Protect your cables! It only takes a minute or two to protect your cables from rust. It’s simple and easy to do. A convenient link* is provided below so you can learn more about this.
What are the defect warning signs?
There are warning signs of defects in your cables? If your cables look like any of these, it’s time to replace them. Need more information? Here’s an article that addresses this issue.
Always remember – it is possible to have broken strands inside your cable without any exterior signs of damage. This situation is especially true on stainless steel cables which do not rust.
What’s a quick way to reduce the stress on the cables?
At the beginning of the year, we place your boat lift in the requested location. We adjust the height of the legs based on what the current water level is.
Unfortunately, the water has continued to rise this year and that may no longer be suitable for the conditions you have today. Add to this the Seiche waves (pronounced “say-sh”) which are standing waves that form in a confined body of water. The friction of the wind against the surface of the water causes wave action.
As waves move towards the shoreline the water gets shallower and the moving waves rise higher. Standing waves, in general, can form in any type of semi-enclosed or enclosed body of water. When these rising waves hit the bottom of your boat the boat does what it is designed to do – it floats on the water.
Your Lift rack may be too close
The lift rack could be too close to the water to protect your boat with the rising water. As a result, you are not able to raise the boat high enough to keep it above the waves. On the other hand, If the rack is set too high in the water, you may not be able to get your boat on the lift. It’s a delicate balance. The variable is the changing depth of the water.
What can I do?
One way to raise the boat higher is to purchase longer legs and replace the standard lengths with new ones.
A less costly alternative is to simply move your lift closer to shore. It will be in shallower water and save you having to buy longer legs and the labor to install them.
If you keep the standard legs and don’t allow us to place the lift closer to the shore, you are inviting costly repairs or even replacements.
In Conclusion
Get out there and take care of those cables. Check out the link below. Then, consider moving the lift closer to shore.
* Wire Rope Lubrication link.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them a link to this article – and Thank you!
You can visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Don’t Forget – PWS is the expert when you have a waterfront problem!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, we are about 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. As of Aug 1st, Wisconsin mandates the use of face masks. We also endorse this to slow the spread of Covid-19. It’s the only known method to control the spread at this time.
While all this is going on, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect. That’s important to us.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
When can I see the display yard?
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
How will I get my estimate?
We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do to help our crews?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews working in your area, please practice “social distancing.”
Call, message, or use this simple request form to get answers and quotes.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you – safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Aug 4, 2020
Why does my Dock Move?
Movement or ” dock sway” is the result of deeper water. Due to the deep water and stronger storms, it is necessary to raise your dock to protect your equipment. And it’s even higher than last year.
HOW CAN THE MOVEMENT BE MINIMIZED?
Before we can answer that question, there’s an important question you must answer. HOW is the dock moving?
The question seems simple enough. But, we need to distinguish between vertical movement and horizontal movement. These have different symptoms, and both have different solutions.
Vertical movement gives you a “spongy” bounce as you walk on the deck. As you may have noticed, the sensation is more noticeable when you walk near a dock leg.
VERTICAL MOVEMENT (BOUNCE) HAS TWO POSSIBLE CAUSES:
1. A leg is no longer in contact with the lake bottom; or
2. Loose bolts on the dock frame in the leg pockets.
Usually, you will sense the bounce in one area along the dock length. The problem should affect only one side of the dock.
How does this happen, and what can I do?
The simplest way to check for the cause is to check the bolts that lock the legs. Are the bolts loose in the affected area?
If the bolts are tight on the dock legs, the problem is at the bottom of the legs. It’s rare, but occasionally one of them is not touching the bottom.
On a sandy bottom?
If you are in a sandy area, the water may have washed the sand out from under the footpads. If this is the case, the legs need adjustment.
While standing in the water, loosen both bolts on only the affected leg. Move the dock frame-up. When you loosen the bolts, the legs will fall until the footpads hit bottom. Now, push up on the dock frame and tighten one bolt and then the second bolt.
Try to “wiggle” the legs around and re-tighten the bolts, if needed.
It is not uncommon for storms to “wash out” the sand from under the footpads. Even with a properly installed dock, a storm can move the sand at any time.
There is no way to prevent this from happening. It’s a natural phenomenon. The next storm could leave the same leg pad buried under 6″ of sand.
What if I have a rocky bottom?
Like the sand beach, a storm may “wash out” smaller rocks under the footpads. Once the stones move away from the leg, the leg has nothing supporting it.
Why does the dock move up?
If a wave makes contact with the bottom of any solid decking, it will push the dock up – momentarily. When the dock frame goes up, it takes the legs with it, allowing the wave to move the rocks around under it.
We recommend the open style of decking to minimize vertical dock movement. See This Article.
What if the movement is side-to-side (sway)?
Dock “sway” results when a dock is raised high out of the water. The height determines how much sway you experience.
By raising the dock, the center of gravity is elevated. When you experience high water, we must raise the dock to minimize damage during storms.
At the same time, increasing the dock height brings a problem with it. The pier is now less stable because the center of gravity is higher.
Think of it this way – If you are on a 6 – step ladder, the first few rungs are stable. The higher you go – not so much. Place your feet on the top of the ladder, and it’s precarious.
What can we do to minimize sway?
The only thing that we can do is to add cross-braces. Cross braces will eliminate, or at the very least, cut down on the swaying.
What are cross braces? They are pipe(s) attached at an angle to the legs of the dock. One end is near the bottom and the other end is under the frames and near the top of another leg. For the structure to move sideways, it must also move the opposite leg at the base where it is firm.
What does PWS do on the new 3-Season Pier?
The new pier uses 2″ schedule 40, steel pipe, which is approximately 2 3/8″ O.D. (Compare that with the legs used by some competitors – 1 1/4 pipes or 1 1/2″ tubing. Both of these have virtually no strength and should never be used on a dock.)
One final suggestion
We recommend the open style of decking to minimize vertical dock movement. The “Flow-Through” decking, which is standard on the 3-Season Pier, reduces the effect of the waves on the dock. With 42% less deck surface, they allow the wave to pass through the decking and minimizes the pressure from the waves. Less chance of the dock being “lifted” or rolled over.
What to look forward to in 2021
2017-2020 saw high water after years of decline in water depth. As a result, many people decided not to install all the sections. They had plenty of water even with a shorter dock.
It’s too soon to tell what 2021 will mean for water levels. Early indications are it will be close to 2020 or even higher as the year progresses. To get the latest information on lake levels, follow this link:
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Monthly-Bulletin-of-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/
Look for the Lake Michigan-Huron charts.
For more information on sway bars or Flow-through decking, contact Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 TODAY – or – fill out this simple quote request FORM.
WHERE IS PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
YARD DISPLAY – WHAT IF I SEE SOMETHING I WANT?
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays that are available for purchases have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jul 28, 2020
BARGE UPDATES
Barge updates
The Barge and the Pusher Boat, that moves it around, is unique in several ways. It goes where other local barges can’t go. It’s versatile enough to fit into tight spaces where a traditional barge can’t. Yet, it’s large enough to handle an excavator plus tons of rock and equipment.
In most cases, the Barge floats very close to shore, where it can unload the excavator and materials. For protection during a storm, the jack-up legs raise the entire unit well above the waves.
Each of the (4) cables which raise the Barge are almost the size of a human fist.
The Barge and pusher boat have been in continuous operation since they were launched. The crew has been installing docks, rip-rap, and hauling materials to job sites.
MORE BARGE UPGRADES
Recently, the Barge moved into a sheltered area south of Point Sable at the old Eagles Nest marina for additional updates. You may have seen it there. Upon completion, it immediately got underway to the next job. It’s equipment and the way we use them, constantly evolves.
To date, we have installed more than 1,500 tons (over 3,000,000 lbs) of rip-rap.
WHY IS THE BARGE USED SO MUCH?
The use of the Barge means less damage to landscaping when we do rip-rap work. Many property owners prefer the barge for less obstruction to their property, or when access to the shoreline is not available. Additionally, there is no need to empty boulders from the dump trucks on their property or the road for later dispersal. We’ll find the nearest, suitable location to load the materials and equipment to serve every job.
Once the rip-rap project ends, the excavator and skid steer are loaded back up to immediately move to the next project. By using the Barge, there is no need for the excavator or track-mounted skid steer to travel across a lawn during the project. All work is completed from the shoreline.
Pusher boat
WHAT ABOUT THE PUSHER BOAT?
The pusher boat was made to not only move the barge but it will carry a skid steer and an additional 3 tons of rock at the same time.
FURTHER UPDATES
With one excavator tied up working with the Barge at all times, PWS has acquired two additional excavators and track-mounted skid steers since the Barge came into service.
For more information or to get on the schedule, contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 TODAY – or – fill out this simple quote request FORM.
WHERE IS PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE ITEM YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays that are available for purchases have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP OUR BARGE CREWS?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews installing rip-rap, be sure to practice “social distancing.”
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jul 21, 2020
Dockside Basketball Hoop
A basketball hoop is the latest addition to the ShoreMaster and Pier & Waterfront Solutions line of accessories. Take the game off the hot court and put it in the water with a dockside Basketball Hoop. Imagine the summer fun (and exercise) your family will enjoy. Just add the basketball and start the fun.
This summer has seen high humidity and temperatures. It isn’t easy to get the exercise the kids and adults, need. With many people isolating themselves during the pandemic, this is an excellent way to stay cool and get your workout at the same time.
ShoreMaster Dockside Basketball Hoop
Basketball Hoop
The backboard measures 44″ x 30″ for easy bank shots. Like most ShoreMaster dock accessories, the dockside Basketball hoop utilizes the Infinity Track accessory system. You can easily attach and reattach it anywhere along the perimeter of the dock system. For more information on the Infinity track system, see this article.
The basketball hoop includes a 5′ post, which mounts easily to the side of the dock. (Non-ShoreMaster docks may need a simple adaptor plate.)
The basketball hoop features an 18″ diameter rim. With a waterproof nylon net, the basketball hoop is sure to provide seasons of fun.
Your family will have one more attraction this summer to keep them occupied. There is no reason to get bored.
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Remember, Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in Waterfront Solutions for docks and lifts.
For more information, contact Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 TODAY– or – fill out this simple quote request form.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions has stayed “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do to help us?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jul 14, 2020
Dock Steps with Handrails
Dock Steps from Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) solve many problems for property owners. All-aluminum steps are available in (4) and (6) step configurations. These will never rust, rot, or require maintenance.
Is your ramp or ladder too steep or uncomfortable for your family to use? Is a ladder too hard to climb at the end of your dock? It’s time to look at aluminum steps. A set of dock steps can be an excellent alternative to access your dock.
Dock steps
Use them:
- Anywhere along the edge of your dock;
- Use them in place of a ramp if it is too steep to get comfortably to your dock;
- Use them to get from a seawall to the beach or directly to your dock; or
- To access the deck on your house. (no wood to rot or paint)
Is your embankment too high for even a (6) step unit?
These versatile steps join together to form longer units. You are not limited to 4 or 6 steps.
Starting with four steps, you can go to 6, 8, 10, or 12 steps. Use them to go down rough or slippery embankments to make a steady incline. Why risk a fall or injury?
Dock Steps on the embankment
The example above shows a combined (4) and (6) step unit, to form gradual access to the dock.
These versatile steps can be mounted on a seawall for access to the beach also. You don’t have to risk a fall on the slippery, wet embankment to get to your beach or dock. Steps are a natural solution to your landscaping issues.
Stairs
Need something even longer?
PWS custom-builds steps in whatever size and shape you need.
Maybe steps are not for you!
Gangway off a seawall
How about a 16′ up to 24′ gangway?
A gangway is another alternative to consider. Use an all-aluminum walkway from a seawall or embankment to the beach. Don’t let rip-rap or steep embankments hold you back. No need to risk twisting your ankle!
Gangways are available in 16′, 20′ and 24′ lengths.
Steps or gangways can also be used to gain access to a deck at your house or down a steep parking area to the house. Be sure to check out the gangway and step units in our front “pond” display.
Remember, Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in Waterfront Solutions for docks and lifts.
For more information and what works best for your area, contact Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 TODAY – or – fill out this simple quote request form.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions has stayed “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do to help us?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jul 7, 2020
Do I need a new dock?
Do I NEED A NEW DOCK?
Docks that are several years old will show some signs of wear. It might be the decking, or it could be the frames. Either way, your dock needs yearly inspections. It’s especially true this year.
Why? You guessed it – the storms. At least two things are happening. Record-setting water levels mean the waves can dislodge trees, logs, and other floating objects that have been sitting dormant on the shore for years. They get washed along the beaches and could hit your dock or boat lift during a storm.
Other docks or decking from your neighbors’ pier can be washed out too. That debris could also hit your dock. Don’t forget about the jet skis and boats that get dislodged in the significant storms.
How many times does it take to cause damage to a dock or boat lift?
Dock damage
Once could be enough. Imagine a boat or log floating under your dock or into your boat lift. The next wave pushes it up against the bottom of your dock or lift. With the wood hung up under the frames, they get twisted by the waves. Here’s the result.
Is the hardware still holding tight?
At one point, at least one manufacturer’s decking was glued and stapled. This decking did not have enough support under the decking, either. The constant flexing of the panels and the natural wood shrinkage meant the staples loosened, and the glue let go.
Consider replacing a wooden decked pier with a different material. If the frames are sound, you may be able to use the Flow-through decking options.
Flow-Through decking is considered the best decking available. For more information, click HERE.
What about the frames?
Is your dock frame bent?
How much wear and tear is the question. Proper maintenance of a dock system can help keep it looking beautiful for a long time. Some types of damage are easily repaired. Others need a lot of work.
But, if your dock is getting dangerous and unreliable, replacement might be the best option. Here are some more signs that you should think about investing in a brand new dock.
Widespread Rust
Do I need a new dock?
Certain types of metal used around water will rust. Painted, and even powder-coated metals will need regular upkeep to keep ahead of the rust.
Large areas of rust will spread. They eat away at the dock frames. If the metal rusts through, it can cause breakage in other areas too.
In cases like this, a completely new dock might be necessary.
Aluminum docks are made of rustproof metal and are a great option when considering upgrading or replacing a failing dock.
Have wood – will rot, Discolor, Split … You get the point!
Wooden docks can rot when water seeps into the wood. Moss, mildew, algae, and other growth can trap moisture in the wood decking, worsening the situation. However, it can be solved or prevented by keeping your dock clean and well maintained.
If a small area is experiencing rot, replace the individual components with new, treated lumber. But, when multiple areas are rotting, it’s time to replace your dock.
Consider replacing a wooden pier with different materials, including aluminum painted to look like wood, which is one of the premium ShoreMaster decking options.
Cracked or Warping Dock Supports
Has any boat come in “hot” (too fast) and hit the frames or vertical supports? Maybe a wave pushed your boat faster than expected or in the wrong direction. Accidents happen!
While the damage may appear only superficial, it’s essential to check all the welds in the immediate area.
Don’t let this type of damage go unattended. With the current rash of storms and high water, this type of damage can quickly become critical.
Minor cracks in small areas may require welding or the replacement of some parts. If major load-bearing areas have significant damage, it’s better to stay safe and replace the structure.
Can a permanent dock be damaged?
Permanent docks sit on large pipes or underdeck support systems. Assessing the damage below the waterline, let alone repairing it, requires specialized equipment.
Dock foundations are subject to:
- Water movement,
- Changing temperatures,
- Currents,
- Ice movement, and
- Other factors that can cause foundation shifts and severe damage.
Cracking is a sign that further investigation and possibly replacement of your docking system will be needed.
Posts Can’t Be Set Properly?
Permanent boat docking systems have supports to hold them up. In some instances, the support pipes must be driven up to 100 feet deep at times to find the solid rock. Even then, winter ice can grip the outside of the post and raise it again.
If the ice raises your posts, it might be time to replace your dock. Look into a floating aluminum or steel dock that adapts to fluctuating water conditions. This type of dock can be removed in winter or protected by a “de-icer” system. The “de-icer” system prevents the ice from locking onto the pipes and being drawn back up.
Custom Docking Systems – Pier & Waterfront Solutions
If it’s time to replace or upgrade your boat docking system, PWS can help. We are the experts in the waterfront business. We have helped many shoreline owners find their perfect waterfront solution – it’s written right into our name.
Did you know PWS has new and used aluminum or steel docks and lifts available? We also have the New 3-Season Pier (steel) for the roughest of waters.
Need an entirely new aluminum dock system or the perfect accessory? Pier & Waterfront Solutions has a support team that can help.
Remember, Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in Waterfront Solutions for docks and lifts.
For more information and what works best for your area, contact Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 TODAY – or – fill out this simple quote request form.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions has stayed “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do to help us?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Let’s all stay safe!
