BARGE UPDATES

BARGE UPDATES

                Barge updates

The Barge and the Pusher Boat, that moves it around, is unique in several ways.  It goes where other local barges can’t go. It’s versatile enough to fit into tight spaces where a traditional barge can’t.  Yet, it’s large enough to handle an excavator plus tons of rock and equipment.

In most cases, the Barge floats very close to shore, where it can unload the excavator and materials.  For protection during a storm, the jack-up legs raise the entire unit well above the waves.

Each of the (4) cables which raise the Barge are almost the size of a human fist.

The Barge and pusher boat have been in continuous operation since they were launched.  The crew has been installing docks, rip-rap, and hauling materials to job sites.

 

MORE BARGE UPGRADES

Recently, the Barge moved into a sheltered area south of Point Sable at the old Eagles Nest marina for additional updates. You may have seen it there.  Upon completion, it immediately got underway to the next job. It’s equipment and the way we use them, constantly evolves. 

To date, we have installed more than 1,500 tons (over 3,000,000 lbs) of rip-rap.

 

WHY IS THE BARGE USED SO MUCH?

The use of the Barge means less damage to landscaping when we do rip-rap work. Many property owners prefer the barge for less obstruction to their property, or when access to the shoreline is not available. Additionally, there is no need to empty boulders from the dump trucks on their property or the road for later dispersal. We’ll find the nearest, suitable location to load the materials and equipment to serve every job.

Once the rip-rap project ends, the excavator and skid steer are loaded back up to immediately move to the next project. By using the Barge, there is no need for the excavator or track-mounted skid steer to travel across a lawn during the project.  All work is completed from the shoreline.

          

                   Pusher boat

WHAT ABOUT THE PUSHER BOAT?

The pusher boat was made to not only move the barge but it will carry a skid steer and an additional 3 tons of rock at the same time.

           FURTHER UPDATES

With one excavator tied up working with the Barge at all times, PWS has acquired two additional excavators and track-mounted skid steers since the Barge came into service.

For more information or to get on the schedule, contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 TODAY – or – fill out this simple quote request FORM.

 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 at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

ARE WE 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 you expect.

We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE ITEM YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays that are available for purchases have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.

We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP OUR BARGE CREWS? 

Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews installing rip-rap, be sure to practice “social distancing.”

Call, message, or email us with any questions.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.

Let’s all stay safe!

Pusher Boat

Pusher Boat

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