Feb 25, 2020
Excellence in Engineering Award
PWS, along with Ayres Architects, received the prestigious EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING AWARD from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Specifically, PWS received the award for the new Marinette marina and boat launches.
Marinette’s Menekaunee Marina
The award recognized PWS for the construction and installation of the Menekaunee Harbor and Boat Launches.
Cabela’s National Walleye Tour in Marinette
PWS had completed Phase One of the marina & boat launches in time for Cabela’s National Walleye Tour in 2017. As always, the tournament was a great success. All of the facilities were well received.
The walleye tour was a great way to expose the public to the new marina. Marinette is now a “class act” with its new facilities.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions built and installed the marina and boat launches. Due to its popularity, PWS subsequently completed (3) additional expansions to the marina.
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in:
- ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and jet ski lifts;
- Lift Boss boat lift motors;
- Accessories for docks and lifts;
- Marina construction and repairs; Plus
- NEW!! Shoreline erosion control and waterfront work
PWS can solve your waterfront problems
PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. 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).
Our staff looks forward to serving your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
Feb 18, 2020
A Barge and Pier & Waterfront Solutions
It’s been a busy year for Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS).
So far, we’ve announced the acquisition of:
Today, we have another announcement!
DID YOU REALIZE?
Some Door County homeowners have properties inaccessible to even our equipment. The reason for this is simple – bluffs & cliffs. These prevent us from moving our equipment to the shoreline.
Moreover, large boulders in the water damage our equipment every time. That makes for a costly repair and a significant disruption to our schedule.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE IN THE PAST?
In spite of this, we found a way around the situation.
PWS contracted a barge to transport an excavator to the site. Once the excavator unloads, it can maneuver over the boulders and place the docks in position.
To do this, PWS joined forces with another company. They provided transportation and an excavator, PWS provided the crews, and the jobs were completed. Over time, both companies grew, and it became difficult to coordinate the schedules.
HAVE YOU GUESSED THE SOLUTION YET?
Many of you guessed that the addition of a “Pusher Boat” meant we needed something to “Push.” Today, we announce the addition of a new barge to our growing arsenal of waterfront equipment.
With this acquisition, we have one less schedule to try to coordinate.
At this point, we should show a picture of the latest equipment. Why can’t you see the image?
You don’t see it because the construction of the barge is ongoing. We will post photos here when the barge arrives in March. We are now updating this information. The barge has arrived but is undergoing additional “fitting” to meet our needs. Please continue to watch for a new article sometime in late April.
CAN YOU PICTURE THE BARGE?
The barge is composed of two Commercial barges. We combine them into a single unit to form a 24′ x 45′ x 4′ unit. Despite its size, it will be able to pass through the DePere dam for work on the Fox River.
PWS will also use the barge to transport equipment and raw materials for the shoreline projects.
Needless to say, the pusher boat now has something to “push.”
HOW DOES A BARGE MOVE?
A barge does not have a propulsion system of its own. That’s why we added a “Pusher Boat” (see post) to move the barge.
With the use of the barge, we can reduce the damage to property. Damage sometimes occurs when we move the excavator or raw materials across a lawn.
PWS can also transport materials and equipment to remote construction sites or islands.
HOW TO PROTECT A BARGE FROM STORM DAMAGE.
To help protect the barge from damage during a storm requires “spuds” or a jack-up rig. According to Wikipedia, a barge fitted with moveable support legs can raise the barge out of the water.
The barge is maneuvered into position by the “pusher boat.” Upon arrival, the legs lower into the water to reach the “floor.”
The weight of the barge (45,000 lbs or 22.5 tons), combined with the weight of any cargo or equipment, “pre-load” the system.
The pre-loaded system drives the legs into (or onto) the bottom. A jacking system then raises the entire barge above the water to a pre-determined height or “air gap.”
This “air gap” allows waves or “tide surge” actions to act only on the relatively slender legs, and not on the barge hull.
WHEN DID WE DO ALL THIS WORK?
PWS utilized the off-season to put this all together.
Keep in mind, March will bring even more news! Keep watching for the next announcement.
PWS can solve your problems
PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Our staff looks forward to serving your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
Feb 4, 2020
THE PUSHER BOAT HAS ARRIVED!!
What is a “Pusher Boat”? Read on to find out.
Here’s something we can all agree on – the seasons have changed. Typically, at this time of the year, both the Bay of Green Bay & Lake Michigan are a frozen mass of ice. Not this year.
Here’s an example. This year, the Bay has not frozen over completely. In some cases, even the northern lakes are not safe to travel across. Wisconsin has had unseasonably warm weather so far.
ICE FISHING & ICE SHOVES
People who love ice fishing have seen their dreams of fishing upended. Even walking on the ice is not safe. Some fishing tournaments and charity walks had to cancel or establish a new route due to unstable, thin ice.
Ice shoves had occurred on several inland lakes and the Bay in December and January. Ice shoves usually don’t happen until late February or March as the ice begins to break up.
HERE’S THE BRIGHT SIDE
On the other hand, the warm weather allowed our excavators to continue working on rip-rap and seawalls. There have been only a few delays. (See our newly updated January 7th post and also the January 21st post for more information.)
There have been no real weather-related interruptions even in the typically “coldest” months of the year. Our biggest problem has been a lack of rip-rap. The quarries are having difficulty keeping up with the demand.
TA-DAH!!
WHAT’S NEW?
PWS is expanding into several areas in response to customer demands. The expansion required large investments in equipment and crews.
Here’s our latest news – Pusher Boat
Pusher Boat
The new PWS “pusher” or “tug boat” has arrived. We have yet to mount the motors and “knees,” but, it will be ready for the open-water season in plenty of time.
WHAT IS A “PUSHER BOAT”?
According to Wikipedia – “a pusher craft, pusher boat, pusher tug or towboat is a boat designed for pushing barges or car floats… These vessels are characterized by a square bow, a shallow draft, and typically have “knees,” which are large plates mounted to the bow for pushing barges of various heights.”
Have we “wet” your appetite for more information? Follow this link for additional information. The new services keep coming!
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in:
- ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and jet ski lifts;
- Lift Boss boat lift motors;
- Accessories for docks and lifts;
- Marina construction and repairs; Plus
- NEW!! Shoreline erosion control and waterfront work
PWS can solve your problems
PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles to the south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Our staff looks forward to serving your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
Jan 21, 2020
Pier & Waterfront Solutions
When Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) began in 2015, the founders never expected the strong response they have received for their efforts. They made a substantial initial investment in equipment and personnel. This investment had been based on extensive prior experience. They resolved not to make the same mistakes that other businesses had made.
Customer needs were to come before profits. It’s been a philosophy they follow to this day. The business demand has grown accordingly.
What are some examples?
As an example, as the business grew, they quickly realized that more equipment and crews to man the equipment were needed. In 2017 and again in 2018, they added the second and third machines and the crews to operate them.
Announcing ……….
This year, PWS purchased their FOURTH machine to handle the growing demand. But wait, that’s not all.
Despite the labor shortage in Door County, an additional hand install crew is in the works for 2020 also. This investment is to keep up with the market for our services.
How has PWS been received? Read our customer testimonials. These are actual notes we have received from our customers and printed here word-for-word.
Now it’s time for more changes.
What about our erosion control systems?
In the January 7th article, we also introduced you to our expanded shoreline erosion & rip-rap systems. In an attempt to preserve as much shoreline as possible from erosion, work continues into the winter months with the favorable weather.
Here are some more examples of the work that we completed this year.
BEFORE
Shoreline restitution – AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Preventing shoreline erosion
MORE EXCITING NEWS – that’s not all of the changes coming for 2020! Follow this link for our next announcement.
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, accessories, and now, shoreline erosion control and waterfront work!
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay, PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
Contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Email Dave@wisconsinpws.com for information about erosion control.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for information about New & Used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or Email John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling.
Jan 7, 2020
Shoreline and Waterfront Solutions for 2020
The focus of Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) has always been “Waterfront Solutions.” Initially, that meant – Piers and Boat Lifts, – along with a wide variety of services surrounding those two items. As a result, PWS quickly gained a reputation as the Leader on the Door County Peninsula.
As the Leader, PWS gets requests for many unique situations throughout the year in both the residential and commercial areas.
PWS hasn’t been sitting on their proverbial – laurels. PWS has been instrumental in solving problems for many people. We always keep our eyes open for additional ways we can help with issues vital to you.
We looked around until we saw the next problem was actually right in front of us every day – Eroding Shorelines.
Shoreline tree roots exposed
How long will this continue?
2020 Forecast
The high water you have experienced in recent years will continue into 2020 – and for the foreseeable future. In fact, the 2020 projections are for another 10″ of depth on top of the already high water depths this year. (We’ll keep you updated on the situation as we get closer to Spring).
How has this Affected Door County?
As property owners, most of you have already seen the damage to your shoreline. The entire Door County Penninsula has seen significant damage. Naturally, the losses are extensive along the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula. However, the Green Bay side of the peninsula has not been spared, as shown.
As the demand for help grew, PWS realized we had to step-up to help our customers and fulfill our commitments to them.
Additionally, the shoreline damages and deep water has slowed our operation down. High water exposes our crews to deeper water on a daily basis. In some cases, they can no longer walk to the ends of the dock without having their waders swamped. The wet suits they wear do not adequately protect them from the frigid water temperatures.
Therefore, PWS has made several significant decisions for 2020. We have a series of announcements to make, beginning today.
What has changed?
Through much of 2019, we have been doing shoreline reconstruction and protection work. We expanded our line of excavating equipment, trucks, trailers, and track-mounted skid steers to accomplish this work.
We’ve trained operators, and they are currently completing jobs with the favorable weather we are having. This work will continue until the ground is frozen harder than the excavating equipment can handle. Even then, we will continue to bring in boulders and rip-rap for shorelines where excavating is not required.
Shoreline work
The project starts with obtaining the needed state permits. Next, we mark out the sites and deliver the required rock, ranging from rip-rap (around 1 ton) to boulders (from 2 ton and up to 8 1/2 tons).
Heavy excavation equipment is necessary to dig into the ground and/or move these multi-ton boulders.
The boulders & rip-rap form a barrier to the high water and the turbulence from storms. It’s the turbulence that undermines and washes away the shoreline, uprooting trees and destroying buildings, as shown.
Shoreline Erosion
As you can see, the scars are significant and can adversely affect your property value.
In the coming months, we will continue to show “before and after” photos of the work we have completed.
Who is your contact for all shoreline work?
Dave Kalista (920) 905-2588 has taken the lead on the shoreline work with our remaining staff as support staff. Contact Dave at dave@wisconsinpws.com.
Dave is very knowledgeable and ready to handle your shoreline work from beginning to end.
We will feature more examples in the coming weeks. Follow this link for additional information.
More announcements will follow.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions can help you. Give us a call today!
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, accessories, and now, shoreline and waterfront work!
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay, PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
Call Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Email Dave@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Sep 10, 2019
Where does the name “Waterfront Solutions” come in?
Waterfront Solutions is part of our name. But you haven’t heard much about it. Now’s a good time to get familiar with it.
The rising water and storms have caused damage up and down the Door County peninsula.
Losing your beach to rising waters is one thing, but losing your lawns and trees, in a whole different problem. Do you have a building or shed near the water? How about a deck near the beach. Is it protected? You may need a rip-rap to protect your investments.
Do you now see where the second half of our name – “Waterfront Solutions” – comes in! We can protect and restore your waterfront.
Did you know…
… that limestone rock weighs about 150-170 lbs /sq foot? Limestone rock is abundant but not always readily available due to the increased demand with the high water.
Can you imagine how many tons were brought in to protect the shoreline below?
What options are available?
Limestone is an abundant stone in Door County. Another option is granite. This choice is more expensive but doable.
Larger rocks are better and run from 1-2 tons PER stone. On the other hand, they are stackable and look neater.
Aren’t all rocks the same?
No, not all rock is the same. Some are solid with fewer air pockets or pores. Why is that important? Solid rock, with fewer pores, hold up better to the annual freeze/thaw cycles in fall and spring.
Once the rocks break down due to the expansion of the ice, they weigh less and can be easily moved or washed away in a storm.
Are permits required for waterfront work?
Permits are required any time you do waterfront work. It takes time to obtain them so you must plan well in advance. Emergency permits can be obtained in many cases while the regular permit is in process.
What about the materials?
It takes time to get the materials. For instance, this year, we are having difficulty getting the rocks we need as fall approaches. The quarries are having trouble keeping up with the demand. That’s another reason to get the process started.
If you want a quote consider doing it now. Place your order and get the permit process underway, so you are prepared to have the work done.
Shoreline Erosion
What happened to this waterfront?
This property is located on the Lake Michigan side of Door County. As you can see, strong wave action, along with the high waters, have worn away the waterfront. These before and after photos are pretty much self-explanatory.
Lake Michigan waterfront after photo
For updated information follow this link
Pier & Waterfront Solutions can help you. Give us a call today!
Remember
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, accessories, AND waterfront work!
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.
