Infinity Dock Series- Don’t be afraid of Change – It’s Fun!
Everyone likes a little change in their life. When driving from point A to point B, don’t be afraid to change your route. Take a different road to see some different scenery. Stop by a landmark on the side of the road to learn something new. Stop at a roadside stand and get fresh vegetables OR change your dock layout with the Infinity Dock Series from ShoreMaster. It’s fun!!
A straight dock is simple and functional – but it can be boring also. Use your imagination.Why should your dock be any different? When you have the RS 4 Infinity Series you don’t need to be afraid of change. It is named “Infinity Series” because of the infinite number of configurations you can have and the flexibility it provides. Your only limitation is what you can dream up. It’s all possible with the Infinity Series from ShoreMaster. Use your imagination.
When you own a lake home, friends and family LOVE to come to visit. If given the opportunity, people will congregate on the dock because it is a focal point of your place.
NEW JET SKI?
Purchased a new Jet Ski or boat? Maybe its time to change your dock configuration to accommodate the new equipment. With the RS 4 Infinity series from ShoreMaster you can purchase some 45° and 90° angled dock sections and completely redesign the layout.
LOW WATER?
Water low this year? Change the configuration again and move the extra sections to the end of the dock to get the extra length you need.
WHAT MAKES THE INFINITY DOCK SERIES SO UNIQUE?
The 45° and 90° angles really make the dock look sharp with their rounded corners. These are not pricey “custom made” sections that cost a fortune to own – they are standard pieces – and they’re waiting for you to configure them the way you want.
The platform at the end acts as a great relaxation area. The dock furniture makes you feel like you’re sitting out on water. You can have vertical dock bumpers at the end for when friends want to come over to visit.
FLEXIBILITY
The RS 4 dock will provide you with the flexibility to add-on as needed. You are not limited to one configuration. By redesigning the layout, you truly can come up with many different designs to suit your needs and varying lake conditions each summer. Start simple, and then over the course of several seasons you can add-on piece by piece. The RS 4 dock gives you the flexibility to do that.
If you get the itch, it’s fun knowing that you are only limited by your own creativity. CREATE AWAY!!
Note – All of the RS 4 docks shown here are year-to-year changes of the SAME dock.
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
If you live on – or spend time on – the lake, you’ve likely seen hundreds of dock/pier systems. Does it ever seem like they all look the same – Lots of straight lines and right angles. That’s great and functional, but have you ever wanted something that was more unique? Ever wanted to just throw the status quo out the window? It’s time to install a curved dock, and say “Yeah, but look at this?”
Ever wanted something that allows you better “curve” appeal? Well then, embrace the curves my friend! Your dock system should be a reflection of you – and you aren’t just like everyone else. You shouldn’t be confined to straight lines and right angles. After all, your shoreline doesn’t concede to such limitations, why should your dock?
What’s the solutions?
The ShoreMaster exclusive 45 and 90 degree curved dock sections will make your dock the envy of the lake. Plus, you’ll enjoy unparalleled versatility, functionality, and elegance your waterfront experience needs and deserves with the ShoreMaster Infinity and QuickConnect systems.
YOUR DOCK. YOUR DESIGN. NO COMPROMISES.
Combine it with the ShoreMaster “Flow Through” decking and you truly will be the envy of the neighbors.
“Flow Through” Decking
Call Jerry at PWS today (920) 493-4404
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
A Welded Boat Lift – 5 Reasons Why it’s Superior to Bolted Lifts
Quality starts with state of the art welding
Welded Boat Lift frames are better than a bolt-together lift frame and there are at least 5 reasons for that. Most of them center around the reduced maintenance superior strength and durability of welded docks and lifts.
Less Maintenance
You’re going to spend good money when you buy a boat lift. Why would you want to spend a weekend checking and tightening all of the nuts and bolts on your boat lift just to make sure everything was tight? We’re pretty sure you don’t. In that case, we strongly suggest that you purchase a high-quality welded boat lift or dock from ShoreMaster. ShoreMaster welded boat lifts and docks keep you from spending your summer tightening up nuts and bolts after a storm or windy day. Welded boat lifts and docks save you time because they require less maintenance.
Welded Boat Lift Frames Stay True and Square
A bolt together boat lift will eventually become loose due to normal use and prolonged periods of heavy waves crashing into the frame. Corrosion of the hardware accelerates this process. If you neglect to tighten a loose bolt on your boat lift, other parts of the boat lift such as the cables, pulleys, winch, or other components can wear prematurely. This will cause failure of not just one part but several parts at the same time. This can be costly to repair. It also can make it extremely difficult for you to discover the original source of the failure.
A Welded Boat Lift Canopy Frame Can Save You Hours During Assembly
When it comes to assembling a dock, boat lift, or boat lift canopy, you’ll be glad that you choose a welded product over a bolt together product. Welded products typically take far less time to assemble than a bolt together product. Consider for a moment the assembly of ShoreMaster’s canopy frame can be completed by just one person in as little as 30 minutes because the canopy frame includes just four welded components; two canopy ends and two canopy sides. Other manufacturers may have dozens of components that need to be bolted together.
Bolt Together Boat Lifts Make It Easier To Replace Damaged Parts, But You May Be Less Likely to Need To Replace Parts With A Welded Dock or Lift
That’s right! It is easier to replace parts on a bolt-together dock or lift. This looks like a benefit until you realize it is also more likely that most dock and boat lift parts can become bent and damaged simply by forgetting to tighten a loose bolt on your bolt-together dock or lift. The ShoreMaster welded docks and lifts do not require replacement of frame parts caused by unusual wear due to loose, missing, or corroded welds. The same can’t be said of bolt-together docks and lifts.
A Welded Boat Lift Offers Higher Resale Value
Because welds are permanent and require no maintenance, you will find that your welded-together dock and lift is more valuable at resale time. Welds will not rust or corrode like hardware. Potential buyers will be wary of the impending costs to replace worn out or corroded hardware.
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
Lighting for your dock and boat lift is important for the security of your boat and the safety of your guests. Follow these suggestions to enhance the security, safety and appearance of your dock.
Why Install a Solar-Powered Light System vs an AC powered Lighting System
Both systems can be controlled by solar cells. They turn on automatically when the light level dims and turn off again at dawn. Solar powered lights cost nothing to use and are safer to operate, with no risk of shocks.
Reminder: If your dock requires installation and removal each year, a solar powered light system will not require power line removal. Solar powered lights are self-contained with no exposed wires to deal with. Dock sections can be separated easily without wires.
Solar lights do not require additional power boxes at the shore with safety circuits in the house or shed.
Where can dock lighting be located?
Dock Light
The preferred position for lights is on the deck surface or on the leg posts. This deck mounted style can be mounted along the edge of the dock where you are not likely to step on it
Dot Lights
Another type of deck mounted solar light is mounted directly into the decking surface. They require a hole be drilled into the decking and the light inserted into the hole almost flush with the decking.
Post lights at night
A post mounted light fixture is mounted on a leg post at about 24 to 35 inches above the decking. Some are mounted into the top of the post after removing the plastic caps.
For Visual Drama and Safety, Illuminate the Water’s Edge
Dock Side Lighting
Add a set of lights that shine into the water and reflect off the edges of the dock. This adds both visual impact and a second safety factor. The dock is more visible as you bring the boat in to your lift.
Choose Lighting that Will Help Identify Your Dock
At night, it can be difficult to distinguish which dock is yours. This is especially true if you cannot see any of the landscaping or tree outlines. If neighboring docks use the same colored lights it can be difficult to pick the correct one.
Consider adding red and green lights at the end of your dock to help you steer your boat to the correct side at night. You can use any available color scheme at the end.
Light for Safety When Leaving the Dock Area
Place a tall light, which directs most of its light downward, at the entrance to your path or stairway up from the dock. Avoid lights that cast bright light widely, so your guests and neighbors can sleep.
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.
Zebra Mussels – The Scourge of our Water Ecosystem
Zebra mussels get their name from the striped pattern of their shells. However, the pattern varies greatly to where there are no stripes, only dark or light colored shells. The mussels can grow to a maximum length of about 50 mm (5-10 mm in the first year) and live four to five years. A female mussel will produce between 30,000 and 1 million eggs in a year.
Where did they come from?
Native to Russia, zebra mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes in 1985 or 1986, when ships discharged ballast water into Lake St. Clair. Being a temperate mussel it found the plankton-rich Lakes St. Clair and Erie to their liking. Since this time, the zebra mussel have spread throughout the Great Lakes and beyond. Colonies have been found as far west as Oklahoma. Live zebra mussels have been found attached to recreational boats transported to Washington state.
What have they done to the lakes?
Originally, when zebra mussels entered Lake Erie, the public saw the positive impacts of their filter feeding that cleaned up the lake. These mussels contributed to the improvement of Lake Erie’s water clarity. Research shows that in the early ‘70s, water clarity was approximately 3 feet. It improved to 6 to 10 feet in the 1980s after a decade of reduced phosphorus inputs. It improved again to 10 to 17 feet in the early 1990s, after zebra mussels colonized the area. However, while the water may have better clarity, the negative impacts outweigh this one positive benefit.
One result of clearer water is increased vegetative growth, which may not be the best thing for anglers, boaters, swimmers and other aquatic recreation users.
Zebra Mussels washed up on shore
Zebra mussels like temperate water and as a result there is a huge die off each year when the ice forms. When they wash up on shore in the spring, they can amass depths of 4-7 feet high.
Why are Zebra Mussels considered a nuisance?
Ecological Impacts – Zebra mussels have disrupted the traditional aquatic food chains of many inland lakes. Regardless of their size, inland lakes represent unique ecological systems. When zebra mussels enter into these fragile systems, their voracious filter feeding depletes the availability of microscopic organisms. These organisms play a critical part in each lake’s ecological food web. As a result, valued sportfish are impacted. Zebra mussels consume considerable amounts of these beneficial microscopic organisms. This creates less food for larval and juvenile fishes that support sport and commercial fisheries.
Biological Impacts – Zebra mussels are similar to other mussel species because they attach themselves to hard surfaces. However, unlike other species, zebra mussels will readily attach themselves to native mussels. They use the fine hair like legs to attach to any surface.
Zebra Mussels on a native mussel
This behavior is known as bio-fouling and with the spread of these mussels, native mussel populations have been severely reduced. Some native mussels are more tolerant than others, but even for these resistant species, becoming covered by zebra mussels makes them more vulnerable to environmental stressors, such as extreme water temperatures, lack of food, or parasites and disease. As zebra mussels spread, biologists are concerned that populations of native mussels will decline, and perhaps some of the rarer species may be completely eliminated.
There’s More?
Economic Impacts – The zebra mussel attaches to hard surfaces located at moderate depths. This affinity for hard surfaces has made water intake structures, like those used for power and municipal water treatment plants, susceptible to colonization. Since 1989, some plants located in areas of extensive zebra mussel colonization have reported significant reductions in pumping capabilities and occasional shutdowns.
Human Health Impacts – As significant filter feeders, the mussels may increase human and wildlife exposure to organic pollutants (PCBs and PAHs). Early research shows that these mussels can rapidly accumulate organic pollutants within their tissues to levels more than 300,000 times greater than concentrations in the environment. They also deposit these pollutants in their pseudofeces. These contaminants can be passed up the food chain so that any fish or waterfowl consuming zebra mussels will also accumulate these organic pollutants. Likewise, human consumption of these same fish and waterfowl could result in further risk of exposure.
How do zebra mussels affect recreational users?
Boaters – Recreation-based industries along Lake Erie have been impacted by zebra mussels. Unprotected docks, breakwalls, boat bottoms, and engine outdrives were rapidly colonized beginning in 1989. Consequently, there were numerous reports of boat engines overheating due to colonies of zebra mussels clogging cooling water inlets and mussels colonizing boat hulls.
Swimmers – Beaches are also affected by zebra mussels. Those sharp-edged mussel shells along swimming beaches can be a hazard to unprotected feet. By autumn of 1989, extensive deposits of zebra mussel shells were on many Lake Erie beaches. The extent of these deposits varied with successive periods of high wave activity.
SCUBA Divers – One of the things that attract people to dive underwater are the many features such as shipwrecks, various fish species and underwater landscapes. Since these mussels attach to hard surfaces, many of the features are at risk of becoming obscured.
How can I prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels
Remove any visible vegetation from items that were in the water, including the boat, trailer, and all equipment.
Flush engine cooling system, live wells, and bilge with tap water. If possible, use hot water.
Do not re-use bait if exposed to infested waters.
Dry boat and other equipment for at least 48 hours before using in uninfested waters.
Examine boat exterior for mussels if it has been docked in infested waters; if mussels are found or exterior is heavily fouled by algae, either clean fouled surfaces or leave boat out of the water for at least 5 days before entering uninfested waters.
References
Zebra Mussels in North America Fact Sheet 045. Ohio Sea Grant College Program. www.sg.ohio-state.edu/publications/nuisances/zebras/fs-045.html
NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
USGS, Florida Caribbean Science Center
National Sea Grant Network Exotic Species Graphics Library
The QuickConnect accessory system from ShoreMaster is the feature product of the month. The QuickConnect accessory system takes the hassle out of customization. It allows your dock system to evolve as your needs change. ShoreMaster Dock Furniture and Benches with the exclusive QuickConnect system make it easy to kick-back and relax on your dock..
QUICKCONNECT DOCK FURNITURE
Enjoy your waterfront more from the comfort of your dock. ShoreMaster dock furniture is easy to add, remove, and adjust. It makes for a beautiful look and relaxing atmosphere. The furniture set comes with:
2 chairs,
a table, and
an umbrella.
All of the accessories attach to the dock using the ShoreMaster QuickConnect brackets. The aluminum frames and fabric backs (and umbrella) mean your furniture is Maintenance Free. Sit back, relax and enjoy your Summer!
QUICKCONNECT DOCK BENCH
Add comfort and style to your dock with a dock bench. The lakeview dock bench offers the perfect spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening of relaxation by the water.
Sit back, relax and enjoy your Summer!
The QuickConnect system means your bench can attach anywhere on the dock and be moved at a moment’s notice. You’ll never miss a beautiful sunrise or sunset again.
Found this article helpful? Call Jerryat 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comfor more information. Also go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues.