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.
May 29, 2018
What is the right Boat lift for Me? – Part 1
Purchasing a new boat lift is a very confusing time You have a lot to consider before making your decision. This article will help you make your lift selection easier.
Where will you be using the boat lift?
One factor in your lift selection process is its suitability for the body of water you will be using it on. Will you be on a large bay or lake where waves can be strong? Will it be a river or small lake with minimal wave action?
In NE Wisconsin, Green Bay and Lake Winnebago present unique problems for boaters. These two bodies of water have significant fluctuations in water depth and wave action. Wave action of 3 or more feet added to increasing water depth during a surge will cause significant problems for boaters.
When these two factors combine, you will want a lift that raises high enough to keep your investment from being damaged.
Consider Frame Construction
You need durable frame construction to withstand the boat weight and pressures from the moving water.
ShoreMaster Vertical Boat Lift with welded side frames
Are the side frames all welded construction? Are the side frames simply bolted together? Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive. This results in frame movement over time. Movement results in elongated holes and a weaker frame structure.
What are the Boat Lift Frame Materials?
The most popular boat lifts in N.E. Wisconsin has aluminum frames and stainless steel cables.
What is the Warranty of the frame material?
Boat lifts come with a 1 or 2-year factory structural warranty. Some have a five year, and a few even have a 10-year warranty.
ShoreMaster boat lifts carry a full 15-year structural warranty. This 15-year warranty is the result of the all-welded side frames. Bolts are only used to assemble the side frames to the cross members.
Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive, but this results in frame movement over time. Movement results in elongated holes and a weaker frame structure.
Your boat deserves the extra protection and strength of a ShoreMaster boat lift.
What type of cable do they use?
Boat lifts today have either galvanized, stainless steel or a combination of both. Stainless steel cables last as much as 2 – 4X longer than galvanized cable. Stainless steel cable is not as strong as galvanized but the manufacturers increase the cable and winch diameters to compensate.
There are limits to the diameter of the cabling used. The winch drum diameter limits the cable diameter. A thick cable wrapping around a small drum flexes the cable unnaturally resulting in premature cable failure.
Boat length, width, and weight?
Consider not only the length, width, and weight of the boat you have now but also the possibility of a larger boat in the future. This may not be the deciding factor in your boat lift decision, but don’t ignore it altogether. It can be the difference between:
- Buying a new boat OR
- Buying a new boat AND a new boat lift.
Manual or Electric operation
Do you want to raise your boat by using the hand wheel or use a motor to do all the work for you? Nature powers most lift motors through a D.C. motor and battery setup.
ShoreMaster Boat Lift with a DC Motor
A.C. versions, while available, require 120 V power at the boat site and need more care to prevent electrical shock.
Resale values
While cantilever boat lifts generally cost less than vertical lifts initially, consider the resale value if you decide to get a larger boat which requires a new lift. Cantilever lifts typically have less resale value because they can be used in fewer applications. Vertical lifts allow you to function in shallower water and raise your boat higher. For this reason, they hold their value more than a cantilever boat lift.
See Part 2 for additional information
Where can you find the solution to any boatlift situation?
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 year round.
Call 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.
May 22, 2018
PWC Jet Ski Lift – Part 2
A PWC Lift is used to protect your Jet ski or PWC from the elements.
In Part 1 of this series we discussed cantilevered and Vertical Lifts. In part 2, we examine two additional PWC lift options for protecting your jet ski.
The Vertical Jet Ski Lift is by far the most popular means of protecting your jet ski. It is especially useful on the Bay of Green Bay because it is the best option for rough water applications. The ability to raise your jet ski up to 50” high is vital whenever you encounter large waves.
However, what about calm water like a river or small inland lake? There is another option available for these situations.
ShorePort PWC lift by ShoreMaster.
The ShorePort is not your traditional “lift” in the sense that it is a drive on PWC lift. There are No cables, No winches, No moving parts and No motors needed. You simply drive on the unit.
ShorePort PWC Lift by ShoreMaster
The ShorePort has a walkway on both sides for easy maintenance and access. ShorePorts are used wherever there is little wave action or where there is significant fluctuation in water depth. The ShorePort PWC lift can fluctuate an unlimited amount because it floats with the water level. Rising water levels in a river after a rainstorm presents no problem for the ShorePort.
Even kids can handle this one. If they can drive a Jet Ski, they can handle the ShorePort PWC Lift.
Is there another type of PWC lift available?
If you have a permanent pier or a concrete pier you could use a “Swinger” or “Tide Tamer” lift. The lift must be mounted to the side of a permanent structure. They raise the jet ski vertically.
Swinger Pier Mounted Lift
The unique feature about this lift is that you have the ability to “swing” the entire jet ski over the top of the pier for storage, refueling or maintenance with little effort. Thus the name.
Swinger PWC Jet Ski Lift
This style of lift cannot be attached to any portable pier or dock.
Basic models come with a winch only, but most people will add a motor for ease of operation.
Single and Double units are available also.
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula 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 always ready to serve your needs year round.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
May 15, 2018
PWC Jet Ski Lift Part 1
PWC Jet Ski lift units are more popular than ever. What does PWC stand for – Personal Water Craft. In this article, we discuss two different types of lifts available to protect your investment.
Summer is fast approaching. We begin to think about boating, our docks, and jet skis. The question arises – what is the right PWC (Jet Ski) lift for me? That depends on where you are.
The ShoreMaster PWC Jet Ski lift is available in (2) freestanding models:
Cantilever Lifts
The PWC cantilever lift does not raise the PWC as high as a vertical lift (28″ vs. 50″). You should use caution with this style of PWC lift as a result. They are ideal for small lakes and rivers that do not fluctuate in depth.
However, our recommendation is not to use this style of lift on the Bay of Green Bay due to its minimal lifting height. Wave action over 12″ can wash the PWS off the lift.
ShoreMaster Cantilever PWC Jet Ski Lift
Vertical PWC Jet Ski Lift
The PWC jet ski vertical lift allows you to get into shallow water (about 6″ depth) and raises your boat higher than the cantilever type. The lift provides excellent protection for your PWC.
The ShoreMaster vertical PWC lift has a lifting capacity of 1,200# and a lifting height of 50”. The 64” inside width handles even the large 3-seaters on the market today.
Vertical PWC Jet Ski Lift by ShoreMaster
The lift can be equipped with a winch tube extension to get the wheel above the dock.
Go a step further and add a remote control motor. This motor takes the place of the handwheel and offers complete ease of operation. Push the button to raise your PWC. It’s as simple as that.
Don’t forget about the PWC walking platforms. They give you complete access to one or both sides of the PWC.
PWC Jet Ski Lift Platforms
Watch for PWC (Jet Ski) Lifts – Part 2 of this series next week.
Where can you find the solution to any boatlift or PWC Jet Ski situation?
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 year round.
Don’t forget – Give us a call 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.
