Jun 30, 2020
Paddlers, Kayaks & Canoes
Paddlers, kayaks, and canoes are experiencing a growing demand. This means an increased demand for convenient storage units. Storage must be both convenient and safe. Spend more time on the water paddling and less time moving your gear to the water.
Kayak/Canoe Rack
Store your paddleboard, kayak, canoe, wakeboard, and more – right on your dock. These storage racks solve the problem for you.
With the storage racks, you don’t have to carry your equipment down to the beach each time. Why pay for customization when they are readily available from Pier & Waterfront Solutions.
Now available for the new PWS 3-Season Pier too!
Attach a bracket on the perimeter of your dock, and the single or double mounting racks are ready to mount. Your water-sport toys are already at the lake for easy access whenever you want them.
Request a Quote today!
Space-saving
The accessories extend out over the water and off the dock. You aren’t going to sacrifice any of your valuable dock space. It’s a win-win situation – convenience and security.
Dual stand up paddleboard rack
Single and double (shown here) paddleboard rack options are available. The versatile design can accommodate nearly any water-sports equipment.
Mounting plates can go just about anywhere and takes the hassle out of customization. It allows your dock system to evolve as your needs change.
Spend more time enjoying the water and less time carrying your paddleboards around.
Dock Steps
Dock Steps
Now that you chose the accessory you want, its time to gain easy access to your dock. How about steps or a pivoting ladder?
Dock steps are a great addition to any dock system for easy lake access and use. They take up no dock space and are a safe way to access your dock from the water.
The Quick Steps feature a wider step and deeper tread. The Quick Steps are available in a 4-step or 6-step option for deeper water.
Both styles of sets are made of lightweight aluminum. The steps are maintenance-free and built to last. The steps feature handrails for safety, and have wide, ribbed treads, providing a slip-resistant surface.
Paddlers, canoeists, and kayakers will really appreciate these steps.
Request a Quote today!
Ladders
Pivot Ladder
Get in and out of the water quickly with a pivoting or stationary ladder.
A vertical pivoting action and locking pin allow you to flip the ladder up when not in use. At the same time, you ensure stability when you need it the most. The ladders attach just about anywhere along the perimeter of the dock. They take up minimal space allowing for greater access to your dock and the lake.
The aluminum ladders are available in 3, 4, and 5-step options. All-aluminum construction means they are lightweight yet durable and long-lasting. A steel version (fixed position) with 7 steps is also available.
Request a Quote today!
Summary
You can Relax and Enjoy your paddling experience with these beautiful accessories.
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?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions is “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. We are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. 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.
But That’s not all!
4. Some employees are working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee exhibiting symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe. We want to get back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
So, YES – WE ARE OPEN!
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
Jun 16, 2020
A Boat Lift Safety Lesson
My lift cable broke…and I can’t ….
Proper boat lift safety means you won’t have to learn the tough lesson pictured here. If you apply these recommendations, you can relax and enjoy your boating experience.
Failure to follow these safety suggestions may result in damage to your boat or even personal injury.
Boat Lift Safety = Never exceeding the Ratings
The rated capacity of any lift is the maximum capacity, and you should never exceed that amount.
Boat weight INCLUDES more than just the published weight of the boat. It also includes the weight of fuel, water, and equipment. After all, you will be lifting all of this when you raise your boat. It adds up very quickly!
Plus, we recommend that you allow at least a 300-500# margin of error when you calculate the boat weight. See also: Sizing a Boatlifts: How to select the correct Boat Lift.
If you ever hear a salesperson say, “You can easily go 40% or 50% over that rating without a problem”. You are at risk of being the owner of the boat above if you follow that flawed thinking.
What’s the real story?
Lift cables are rated much higher than the rating of the boat lift. As an example, (using imaginary numbers) your boat lift has a 4,000# rating, it could have cables rated for 6,000# to 8,000#.
The cable rating may be 6,000#, but ONLY if the wires are in perfect shape – meaning no burrs, kinks, frays, or rust. These defects reduce the load capacity of the cables.
The lift racks are correctly rated for the weight regardless of the cable ratings. If someone is trying to sell you a 4,000# lift and telling you that it can handle up to 4,700# – WALK AWAY!!
The load must also be “balanced” on the rack for proper boat lift safety. (More on this later)
Lift cables fail without warning
Sorry!! Cables don’t “creak” or “groan” as a warning of impending danger. The only sound you hear is a loud “snap” followed by the sound of your boat hitting the water.
In a storm, you want to get your boat as high above the water as possible. Yet, raising a boat until the lifting platform or rack hits the frame is NOT the way to do it.
Hitting the frame is an all too common occurrence. Ask yourself, if raising the boat that extra ½” is worth snapping a cable. You risk damage to your boat and lift, or worse yet, personal injury.
Operate Lift Motors properly or break a cable
Properly used, an electric lift motor is a real back saver! I wouldn’t be without one. But you need to exercise extra care when using a lift motor. Shutting off a lift motor does not mean the lifting action will stop. What if it “drifts”?
For example, one brand of lift motor “drifts” after the motor stops. The “drift” potentially causes the lift rack and frame to jam together.
Cable failure, lift or boat damage, personal injury, or worse may be the result.
When the rack hits the lift frame, something has to give. The most likely culprit will be the cables. If you combine a damaged cable with a rack hitting the frame, you have a recipe for disaster.
OK, You Jammed the Rack & Frame! – What comes next?
You were distracted, and now the rack is jammed against the frame. A jammed rack means your next step is critical.
You’re in a hurry to release the pressure, but be sure you know which way the motor will go when you flip the switch.
If the rack isn’t going “DOWN,” damage occurs almost instantly. If it is a broken cable – your boat goes down – even faster!! Starting the winch or motor in the wrong direction could mean your boat will be in the water in an instant. Did I mention it won’t be floating?
Proper Positioning of the boat is part of boat lift safety.
As if a jammed rack wasn’t enough, did you know there are right ways and wrong ways to position your boat on your lift?
Boat stern overhanging too far
All lift ratings are based on a “balanced load.” In other words, the weight of the boat must be relatively equal on each end of the rack.
When you put the majority of the weight on one end of the rack, cable breakage is more likely.
The heaviest part of any boat will be where the engine is mounted. That could be at the stern (outboards) or even near the middle of the boat (inboards).
A boat placed too far forward on the lift rack results in excessive weight on the “front” of the lift. Too far to the stern of the boat puts too much weight on the rear cables. If the cables have weakened by corrosion or fraying, you risk impending disaster.
What is the correct position for a boat on a lift?
You can determine the proper positioning of a boat by placing the stern of the boat within 12″ – 18″ of the rear lift rack. Now, raise the rack slightly out of the water.
Next, try to lift the bow end with your hands. If the boat weighs 3,500# and you can lift the front of the boat, you are either “Mr. Atlas” or the boat is positioned to the rear. If you can lift the bow at all, your boat is too far back. The weight is not evenly distributed across the four corners of the lift. Lower the boat and reposition it forward.
The boat shown here overhangs about 36″ from the rack and risking major damage. By placing the boat too far back on the rack, a majority of the weight is on the rear cables. What if those cables are weak from corrosion or fraying?
Does high water affect the positioning of a boat?
Yes, it does. In the example above, with the rear of the rack overloaded, the boat has only minimal weight on the front rack.
Your boat will float on a wave. When the bottom of the boat is “lapped” by a wave, it will try to raise the boat. With repeated lifting (or bouncing) the boat can work it’s way off the rack. It will try to go go to the rear. Eventually, the boat will literally “bounce” right off the lift.
With a balanced boat, you have a better chance of the boat staying on the rack.
Align the boat in the same position each time.
So, now you have repositioned your boat until you found a good position for a balanced load. What comes next?
It’s time to make a note of a fixed object on the boat and how it lines up with something on the lift. This is a good gauge for the next time you enter your lift. Always try to go back to this same position.
Summary
You now know the do’s and don’t of boat lift ratings and positioning for your boat. With this knowledge, you can Relax and Enjoy your boating experience.
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 is staying “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 implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. 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.
That’s not all!
4. Some employees are working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee exhibiting symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
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?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
So, YES – WE ARE OPEN!
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
May 28, 2020
Is Your Pier Missing a Dock Storage Box?
Is a Dock Storage Box on your summer shopping list? How many times do you walk to your pier, only to kick yourself because you wish you had a storage box? Do you always forget something? Every time you set foot on your dock, do you think of all the equipment you could store in it? Where do you store the life preservers? Wouldn’t a dock storage box be convenient?
What Makes A Great Storage Box?
Unsure of what to look for in a storage or dock box? Are you afraid to purchase one because you don’t know enough about them? Read on to find helpful info about storage boxes. They will make life much easier for you.
Does the Storage Box Have Tight Fits?
Water Laser Cutting Technology, used on the best dock storage boxes, ensures the best fit. This process offers a consistent, precision cut for all the various pieces. This precision makes for a superior fit. Precision cuts and quality hinges fit together better. The box is less likely to suffer from leaks or damage.
Additionally, these dock storage boxes constructed from fiberglass provide a far superior product.
What’s The Alternative?
The alternative, polyethylene (plastic) storage boxes, fade, discolor, and warp in sunlight. As a result, this depreciates its usage and aesthetic value.
Fiberglass dock storage boxes also come with a gel-coat finish to add an extra layer of protection. Like polyethylene dock boxes, the gel-coat finish will oxidize in sunlight. So what’s the difference then? The difference is, you can buff and wax the oxidation off of the box to keep it looking brand new, year after year.
Buffing and waxing increase the durability of the box in the form of scrape and cut resistance. You can buff and wax any imperfections with a rubbing compound and watch them disappear. The process is like cleaning the hull of a boat on a smaller scale.
Do Polyethlene Dock Storage Boxes Have Gel-Coating?
Polyethylene dock storage boxes do not have a gel-coat finish. Once the sun damages the plastic material, it’s impossible to restore the surface to a like-new finish again.
The failure of the polyethylene storage boxes to withstand the sun will cause you to consider buying a new dock box. This type of failure will happen much sooner with a Polyethylene box than if you had chosen a fiberglass dock box initially.
Choose quality first to save time and money.
Assorted Dock storage Box sizes
Dock storage boxes come in many sizes including:
98″ x 22″ x 24.5″ H 85″ x 22″ x 24.5″
72″ x 26.5″ x 27.5″ 74″ x 38″ x 36″
71″ x 22″ x 24.5″ 33″ x 24″ x 18″
44.5″ x 26.5″ x 27.5″ 39.5″ x 19.75″ x 21.5″
Triangular and Low profile versions are also avaiable. Call for more information.
Not enough room to mount a dock box on your dock?
PWS has alternatives including, side mounts, for the boxes.
NEW – this year!
This year PWS has another alternative that was not available in the past. Talk to Jerry about trading your dock for the new 3-Season Pier, which we are now offering.
This new steel dock can handle storms better due to it’s higher weight and the “open” decking we use. Combining these two features makes it the heaviest pier on Green Bay. It has survived installations on Lake Michigan also.
An additional feature is the 4′ x 10′ “L,” which is standard on the 3-Season dock. This allows 16 sq feet more than lesser docks. It makes it easier to mount a dock box, enter a boat lift, and entertain your friends.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
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 is staying “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 implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. 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.
Is there More?
4. Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
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?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – ARE WE OPEN?
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
May 19, 2020
The Best Boat Dock Decking in Door County
Boat dock decking is no longer a simple piece of wood laid on other pieces of wood. There are many types of materials used on piers and boat docks today.
Today’s options include open-deck plastic, solid plastic boards, aluminum, wood, and various composites.
What’s the most popular decking used today, and why?
Today, wise shoppers choose plastic with the open-deck configuration.
Why?
It’s simple. The best type of decking is a plastic deck. Today’s plastic holds it’s original color (within 3%). It also keeps it’s shape better. Plastics need less maintenance than any of the other types of decking.
Plastic decking requires no staining or painting. The surface does not flake or wear-off, nor does it lose its color with exposure to the UV rays.
Open-decking helps resist the growth of mold and mildew far better than wood or even another plastic deck. Plastic stays cool in the summer, repels rain and dries quickly. About 90% of the moisture runs off immediately while the rest simply evaporates.
What about other types of plastic boat dock decking?
If you are referring to the wood and resin-impregnated boards, over time, the wood fibers swell. The moisture can attract mold and mildew.
How about recycled plastic boards with no fiber in it?
Typical Plank decking
The recycled boards come with their unique problems.
If stored in shaded areas, HDPE plastic boards cannot escape the mold/mildew cycle. See how the mold/mildew cycle develops HERE.
What’s the most important thing about decking?
Recycled decking is an extruded board. That means, when cresting waves hit the bottom of the dock, there is no release for the energy waves produce. The bolted-down boards keep the decking from washing away. But this creates a virtual “solid” surface for the wave’s energy to push against. The frame structure must take all the energy from the wave.
How can you prove this?
Look at a dock that flipped over during a storm. You will notice that the legs bent in the direction that the storm originated.
Solid boards with a 1/2″ gap every 6″ does not relieve the pressure from the waves.
The result is the upward pressure from the waves lifted the pier high enough for it to move sideways. The legs were no longer vertical. They came down at an angle, and the legs bent. The continuing pressure from the waves then pushed the dock over.
Plastic is plastic – isn’t it?
Yes, they are all oil derivatives. But, there are many types of plastic made today. Some are super hard and act as “bearing surfaces,” while others are very pliable.
In general, plastics will outlive us. The shape and surface area of the plastic makes a big difference when it comes to decking.
How do you relieve the upward energy?
The only way to relieve the pressure on the boat dock decking is to provide enough open areas for the wave energy to pass through. 42% open area is the standard today.
At this percentage, almost one-half of the wave energy passes through the decking. The wave is less likely to lift the dock. Yet the decking is strong enough to walk on.
If you combine the most massive steel frame in Door County along with an open deck,
you get the PWS 3-Season Pier.
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
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 is staying “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 implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. 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.
4. Some employees are working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee exhibiting symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
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?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
So, YES – WE ARE OPEN!
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
