BASKETBALL HOOP & SLIDE

BASKETBALL HOOP & WATER-SLIDE

image of An announcement is coming

Announcing ……….

 

A basketball hoop and a slide are some of the latest additions to the ShoreMaster line of accessories.

Take the game off the court and put it in the cool water.  Everyone will enjoy a Basketball Hoop from ShoreMaster!

Imagine the summer fun your family will enjoy.

 


Basketball Hoop Details

image of ShoreMaster Dockside Basketball Hoop

         ShoreMaster Dockside                  Basketball Hoop

 

The backboard measures 44″ x 30″ for easy bank shots. Like most ShoreMaster dock accessories, the Dockside Basketball hoop utilizes the exclusive 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 require a simple adaptor plate.)

The hoop features an 18″ diameter rim, with waterproof nylon net, this basketball hoop is sure to provide years of fun.

Imagine your family having one more attraction this summer to keep them occupied. There is no reason to get bored in Door County.

 

SPECIAL NOTE – The Slide mentioned here is ONLY available for delivery in the Spring, 2022!  The supplier is completely sold out and will only take our orders in the November pre-season order.  Call Jerry today for pricing and get your Slide ordered for Spring, 2022.

 

image of Free Standing slide

Free Standing slide

 

Another accessory is the Dock Mounted Slide shown here. This accessory will be a great addition to your dock. The slide can also be a freestanding unit in the water* or mounted on a dock.

 Call Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 for details and pricing.

 

 

Dock Mounted slide

 

*Caution: Be sure the water depth is sufficient for the slide. We also recommend not going down head-first. Small children should use a life preserver as an added safety measure.

 

 


Tell Your Friends & Family

Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link  – and Thank you!


Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.

 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 corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).

 

Is PWS 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 that you have come to expect.

 

PWS implemented these precautionary measures:

1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. 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.

 

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 – YESPWS is  OPEN and waiting for you? 

Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.

Let’s all stay safe!

 

Your Assistance Needed

Today we have a request for YOUR assistance.

As you may know, we have written several articles about the Glacier Flow Thru and Sun Walk decking used on the ShoreMaster docks and PWS‘s own 3-Season Pier, respectively. (We use two deck brands due to the different widths of the docks.)

image of Glacier Decking by ShoreMaster - Tan

Open Decking by ShoreMaster

Each time we write an article about decking, we try to write a better description of what open decking is all about. 

Like the old saying goes-

“A picture is worth a thousand words,

But a video is worth a whole lot more.”

(OK, we expanded on that old saying)

We can’t predict when and where the next big storm will hit. When and where will the waves be breaking through the decking? What does it look like when the wave is so high it actually tries to lift the decking (and the dock if you have planks instead of open decking) but ends up being dispersed as it goes through the decking instead?

Why does the 3-Season Pier stands up so well to storms?  We can try to describe it in words all day long but a photo or video is much more effective.

An actual demonstration of open decking doing it’s thing is important to new customers and people considering re-decking their existing dock. They want proof that their dock stands a much better chance of weathering the storm?

 

Have you taken photos or videos of a dock in a storm?

During a severe storm, many people take photos or videos to show friends and neighbors what happened. Maybe you saw a dock floating into a boat lift or waves crashing through the decking. Perhaps a loose boat hit a dock, and you got the video.

We want to publish those pictures and videos. If you have these or are willing to take photos or videos (safely, of course), we ask you to email them to us.  Time permitting – we’ll try to email the article to you before it’s published.

Email them to:   mike@wisconsinpws.com

In the past, we received and used a great video of the wave itself being destroyed by rip-rap placed on the shoreline. The waves actually melt away harmlessly.  The real demonstration starts at :30 seconds.

 

We want your images of a storm trying to destroy a dock.

We prefer no audio at all.

If you want credit for the videos or pictures, just let us know. With your permission, we will include your first name and the first letter of your last name, along with a general location like this – “credits: John B., Sister Bay.” We’ll post them on YouTube also.  Be the first to get published.  Our readers include countries other than the U.S.

 

Finally – a THANK YOU!!

We would like to acknowledge the notes and testimonials we have received over the years. Our crews work hard to do the job right the first time.  They sometimes fail, but we always take care of our customers if it happens. We always bring your notes to their attention when you mention their name.

We post these notes in the Customer Testimonial section – word for word, as written – on our website.

Tell Your Friends & Family

Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link  – and Thank you!

 Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.

 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 corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).

 

Is PWS 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 that you have come to expect.

 

PWS implemented these precautionary measures:

1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. 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.

 

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 – YESPWS is  OPEN and waiting for you? 

Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.

Let’s all stay safe!

 

Efficient Service

Thank you for your efficient service.

N,   Door County

How Long Will a Boat Lift Last?

How Long Will a Boat Lift Last?

Your boat is a BIG investment. You want to protect it for years to come. It only makes sense that your boat lift system should last at least as long as your boat. If your boat lift is well-built and maintained, it can last 25 years or more. In general, a boat lift will last much longer if you take care of it. 

Look at these areas as part of a regular boat lift maintenance schedule.

 

Weight Warnings

A properly sized boat lift will handle the weight of your boat plus the equipment you put in it. PWS will assist in selecting the proper size and type of boat lift for your hull and shoreline conditions. 

The average boat up to 20′ will weigh in the 4 – 6,000 lb range. This includes the fuel, water, gas, motor(s). Don’t forget your passengers – including your friend – Big Bubba.

Don’t let people get in or out of the boat while it’s on the lift to avoid straining the system. When you’re not using your boat, remove the drain plug at the back of the boat. Rainwater can’t collect and add extra weight (roughly 8 lbs/gallon) if you do. Don’t forget to replace it before you go out again.

 

Lift Cables and Pulleys

Lubricate your cables with penetrating oil instead of grease. Replace any cables with rust spots, broken strands, fraying, or kinks. Grease the lift pulleys if required. Be sure to check the nuts and bolts to ensure tightness. 

image of Boatlift Cable backlash

                  Boatlift cable backlash

Check your winch drum as the cable is winding onto it to avoid slack, misalignment, and uneven wear. Never allow your lift cables to go slack. A slack line will result in damage to the system. It’s like a backlash on a fishing pole, only with a rigid steel cable. It can be challenging to unravel. 

Never use a screwdriver or hit the cable with a hammer in an attempt to release the line. You’re almost guaranteed to cause severe damage.

 

Motors, Gearboxes, and Drive Units

If your boat lift has a motor, examine it for signs of rust or water retention. Ensure that any holes on the top of the motor or winch are closed. 

The bottom holes must be open for proper drainage. 

Inspect your gearbox and drive units regularly. Check for appropriate alignment, damaged cables, and areas that need lubrication.

 

Lift beams

Inspect your bunk carpeting for wear and tear and any wood underneath the carpet for cracks and rot. Lift beams should be kept out of the water when not in use. Better yet, get an aluminum/vinyl set and never have to replace the carpeting again. 

Keep your hardware tightened, and be sure that the bunks line up correctly with your boat hull. 

 

Storage

If you’re storing your lift in the off-season, remove the battery if you have a power hoist. Store it on a small piece of wood. Store your lift with the cradle or platform to the top.

Your boat lift protects your boat, so it’s essential to keep it in good condition. 

Proper care and maintenance can help you avoid costly damage. Your dock and accessories need to be inspected for damage, also. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for more specific care instructions. 

 

Weight

It’s up to you to stay within the manufacturer’s specifications. Staying within those specs is crucial. 

Even lifting a boat with the wrong hull design can cause damage. Never add more weight to your boat while it’s on the lift. 

Entering or exiting a boat while it’s on a boatlift can be very dangerous. Ensure you have proper weight distribution when lifting. 

 

Lubrication

Cables are usually made of stainless steel and need lubrication. Regularly apply penetrating oil or chain and cable fluid to reduce abrasion. 

Make sure not to use grease on the cables. Grease traps moisture inside the cable strands. However, boat lift motor components and pulleys usually require grease. 

Since you’re lubricating your lift, check for damaged cables that need to be repaired, replaced, or tightened.

 

Water-Related Damage

Boat docks and lifts are still susceptible to water-related damage. Lift beams and bunks can be damaged by a boat coming in “hot.” When docking, check your speed, so you are not going faster than you are willing to hit the dock.

Keep your lift out of the water as much as possible. Small amounts of rust can be ground off and touched up. 

Never place a plastic bag or cover over the winch and/or motors in the winter. Condensation will form inside and cause excessive damage.

 

Alignment

Uneven wear can shorten cable lifespan, so keep an eye on the cable alignment. Make sheave alignment part of your regular inspections. Keep an eye on the winder, drum, and spool. 

If you notice a backlashed cable, slack, or other boat lift problems- STOP.  Don’t go any further. Adjust the cables immediately. If you’re not sure of the alignment, contact the professionals at PWS

Reminder – Use leather gloves to protect your hands when handling the cables.

 

Storage

Even off-season storage can contribute to how long your boat lift lasts. Store your boat lift with the platform up. 

If you have a power hoist, remove the battery and store it inside on a small piece of wood. 

 

Signs of Lift Damage

Once the flood or storm has died down, clear any debris off of your dock and lift. Look for bent or twisted beams, damaged drives, or broken bunks on your lift. Look for bent or damaged bolts and loose fasteners. 

Check the lift cables for kinks, abrasions, frays, or breaks. Do not operate your lift until those cables are repaired or replaced. 

If your boat lift shifted during the storm, realign it and make it square with the dock. When there are high waves, make sure the boat is still in the correct position.

Consult your installation manual or PWS for more information about adjustments. Even if everything looks good, make sure that you perform a test run of your lift. Check for any problems before you get back to boating. 

At times large objects, like logs or other debris, strike your boatlift during the night or when you are away. Always look for damage if there was a storm.

 

ShoreMaster Boat Lift Systems

ShoreMaster boat lifts are made with premium components. They make the best equipment to protect your boat.

 

In summary

Invest in the best boat lift brand to protect your boat – ShoreMaster

 

Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of  Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

 

PWS is

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

 

The Covid-19 virus is waning thanks to the population getting vaccinations.  We hope that the remaining people will get the vaccine to help stop the spread of this deadly virus. We will continue to conduct as much business as possible by email, text, or phone to do our part to keep people safe.

Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible by doing any face-to-face contact outdoors.

 

PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7

 

               Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.

PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.

 

Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.

Jerry Englebert


Contact  Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.

REPLACEMENT CANOPY COVERS

Replacement Canopy Covers

Your boat lift is in the water, and you are ready for a great summer of boating. Have you taken your first cruise this year? Yes! It was a great experience – wasn’t it?

That is until you noticed the hole(s) in your canopy cover. Did the last storm cause a tear in your canopy? You can’t ignore it. It’s time to replace your top! 

 

Wait!! 

Your previous boat lift dealer went out of business, or you don’t remember what size canopy you need!  Contact PWS.

 

Customer referrals

By now, you’ve heard great comments about Pier & Waterfront SolutionsThere are over 100 customer referrals on the PWS website, demonstrating the quality of our work. Those are not some salesperson’s words – they are actual, documented statements.

 

Testimonials like:

Mike W, Fish Creek

These young men (Alex and Tyler) did the best install I have ever seen!  I am a perfectionist, and I could not have done a better job myself!  Even the pipes that are across from each other are even in height where in the past the pipes were all at random heights,

We tipped the guys but I wanted you to know what a great job they did!  Keep up the great work!!      Mike W


Excellent Job

Hi Jerry, Enclosed is payment for the pier haul out this fall ….. They (the crew) did an excellent job under difficult conditions. Will call you next spring for re-installation.       Dave W.


Great Job   John K Door County

Crews do a great job.      John K.    


Awesome Service – Casey C.

Jerry, Thank you so much for the AWESOME service!        Casey C.   

 

Here’s More

Hi = just wanted to let you know your crew did a great job taking down our dock this year.  You are all a pleasure to work with. Thanks       David C.


QB  Outstanding Project Work

Outstanding project work. Alex is magical on the forklift and Ben is a strong extra. Nice work, it’s exactly as I hoped it would turn out.   QB


Dale R. Customer service is an art

Jerry, Customer service is an art.  You have mastered the art.  Thank you for your service!     Dale R.  


We appreciate you 

Hi Jerry, I just want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do. It is always a pleasure to work with you.      Katie R. 


I enjoyed talking to Keri 

I enjoyed talking with Keri. She is very polite and personable.  She relayed exactly what I wanted done and she will do well for your business. Please share this with her.  Thanks      Michael H    

 

Repair Parts

You also know that PWS can provide replacement parts for almost all dock and boat lift brands. But did you know PWS can provide replacement canopies for every brand of boat lift?

 

Here’s a complete list of boat lift canopies available:

(alpha order)

                1. Beach King 
                2. Daka
                3. DockRight
                4. Floe
                5. Harbormaster
                6. Hewitt
                7. LakeShore
                8. Newman’s
                9. Vibo
                10. Pier Pleasure
                11. Porta-Dock
                12. ShoreMaster
                13. Shorestation

LOVE YOUR BOAT?

Love your boat? Then you want to give it a dry home. 

Many boat owners choose ShoreMaster Boat Lift Canopies to protect their boats. The quality and longevity of its products are synonymous with the name – ShoreMaster.

ShoreMaster Boat Lift canopies last for years, giving your boat the protection it needs and deserves.

Due to the quality of a ShoreMaster canopy frame, you don’t have to worry about them. But, the sun does deteriorate all canopy fabrics over time.

 

Which brands are popular on the Door County Peninsula?

The two popular boat lift brands on the Door County peninsula are ShoreMaster and Shorestation. We’ll concentrate on those.

 

Measuring for ShoreMaster Canopy Covers

First, it’s important to remember that ShoreMaster has more than one length for each lift. Different fabrics and colors are also available for every model. 

Telling us you have a model # SM 4010 lift is not enough. Here is the correct way to measure a replacement canopy for a ShoreMaster boat lift:

  • Refer to the diagram below for detailed information on the needed measurements.

ShoreMaster Canopy Dimensions

 

Length: Measure from the frame outside edge to the outside edge, along the horizontal centerline. Do not measure up and over the top.

Width: Measure between the inside edges of the frame.

 

What about the Shorestation brand?

Shorestation lifts will have an extra factor to consider – The metal used on the canopy frame. Shorestation makes canopy frames with either steel or aluminum. It’s important to distinguish between the two before proceeding. The shape and mountings are different.

Older “legacy” models used steel for the frames. Later they began making aluminum boat lifts like the rest of the world. 

Now we have the frame material down pat. Now we can ask the remaining questions. We’ll start with the aluminum lifts since they are the most popular.

Shorestation ALUMINUM Canopy Frames

Shorestation Aluminum Canopy Dimensions

Length: Measure the side rail and then add 2 feet to that number

Width: Measure between the inside edges of the frame

Now on to the Steel canopies.

Shorestation STEEL Canopy Frames

Shorestation Steel Canopy Dimensions

Length: Count the number of inner ribs

Width: Measure between the inside edges of the frame

NOTE: Were there ANY modifications or repairs to the canopy frame? If the answer is yes, it is vital to bring that information to our attention. Changes could result in an error. Custom canopy sizes are not returnable. 

 

Want assurances that the new canopy will fit?

The best option is to have a PWS representative do a site evaluation by coming to your site. That way, you can rest assured that we have the correct information.

 

Not either brand?

Look for the brand name on the frame or winch of the boat lift and call or send the information to us. Sending a photo helps also. 

We will return a diagram of the frames to compare with your actual canopy frame. We will also show you how to take the precise canopy dimensions needed. It’s as simple as that! 

If in doubt, ask PWS to send someone out to get the information.

 

SUMMARY

It’s better to be safe than sorry – Call PWS Today!

Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of  Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

 

PWS is

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

 

The Covid-19 virus is waning thanks to the population getting vaccinations.  We hope that the remaining people will get the vaccine to help stop the spread of this deadly virus. We will continue to conduct as much business as possible by email, text, or phone to do our part to keep people safe.

Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible by doing any face-to-face contact outdoors.

 

PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7

 

               Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.

PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.

 

Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.

Jerry Englebert


Contact  Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.

Why use a lead acid battery?

Why Is A Lead Acid Battery used?

For years, the battery of choice for boat motors has been the lead-acid type. New technology will someday lower lithium battery prices, and boaters will change over to the latest technologies. In the meantime, boat owners will continue to be stuck with the old, heavy lead-acid batteries we use today.

                  Deep Cell Marine Battery

 

At this point, they are still the least expensive source of energy available. We have to take care of the battery to get the most out of it and make sure it has enough stored power when we need it. You can’t start your engine or operate the lift motor with a dead battery.

 

PWS recommends the Interstate deep-cycle Marine Battery line.

 

 

We will be discussing boats running 12 and 24-volt battery systems to power a boat or a lift motor in this post.  

 

How do you know if a battery has a full charge?

A fully charged battery, not connected to anything, will read 12.8 volts. A battery at half charge reads 12.2 volts, and a dangerously low unit will read 11.8 volts. It leaves little room for error with readings that close together. Keeping your boat battery charged is vital.

 

What happens to a less than fully charged battery? 

Lead-acid batteries will discharge over time. The damp, cool environment of a boat only accelerates the process.  If left in a discharged state, they have a high chance of having permanent damage – at the very least, shortening its lifespan.

Just because there are no moving parts doesn’t mean that it cannot be damaged and fail. Individual cells within a battery may collapse, rendering the entire battery useless.

Some form of charging system is mandatory for every battery. The charging system isn’t just a matter of buying the cheapest, smallest charger from a local auto shop. A charger like that usually won’t make it through the first season in a marine environment.

Like everything else that has to work on your boat, It’s needs to be designed specifically for these conditions. The best brands understand this and make their product accordingly.

A 10 amp charger shoved ten amps into your battery in the old days – whether it needed it or not. If you left it plugged in, you run the risk of ‘cooking’ the cells dry. The water evaporates, and the cells short out.

The advent of “staged” chargers changed all that. The staged chargers (like solar chargers) were designed to be attached 24/7. The chargers cycle through a series of steps that condition the battery and prolong its life. The proper charger will pay for itself the next time you don’t have to replace your batteries.

 

Trickle Chargers

Trickle chargers are great for motorcycle or jet ski batteries. However, an average-sized boat battery requires extra “Umph” if used frequently. Even the deep cell marine battery needs charging after use. Opinions vary but don’t waste your time with anything less than a 10 amp charger. 

 

WHAT SIZE CHARGER DO I NEED?

Do you have two batteries for operating a lift motor? A regulator will spread the charge between the batteries as each battery becomes fully charged.

As a side note, using (2) deep cell marine batteries will increase the speed of the boat lift mechanism. Sorry, it will increase the speed but not by 2x.

  

Solar Panels

Solar panels are a completely different discussion. Their progress has been steadily improving efficiency. Each year there are improvements to their performance.

 

Keeping your Battery Terminals Clean

Keep your batteries clean – particularly the terminals.

There are liquids and sprays to protect your terminals from corrosion. These liquids will also safeguard any connections mounted to the terminals—no more of that nasty green stuff.

Keeping the terminals clean will keep a good flow of electricity to those motors when they need it. These liquids and sprays will also make it easy to remove your batteries should the need arise.

 

MY MOTOR WON’T START – How do I know if it’s a bad battery connection?

Like a car in the middle of winter, if you get a stuttering sound when trying to start your boat, it means the connections at the battery need cleaning. Continuing to try to start the motor will only draw down the battery power further. Watch for the lights dimming when you try to start the engine. A corroded connection will cause the lights to dim.

 

SUMMARY

Hopefully, this information gives you a better understanding of batteries and makes your boating life easier and more enjoyable.

 

Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of  Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

PWS is

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

 

The Covid-19 virus is waning.  We hope people will continue to get the vaccine to help stop the spread of this deadly virus. We will continue to conduct as much business as possible by email, text, or phone to do our part to keep people safe.

Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible by doing any face-to-face contact outdoors.

 

PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7

 

               Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.

PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.

 

Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.

Jerry Englebert


Contact  Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.