Jul 3, 2026
PWS Pier in Rowleys Bay
For many boaters, the local boat ramp is the starting point for a great day on the water. Whether you’re heading out for a morning of fishing, an afternoon cruise, or a day of watersports, knowing how to use a boat ramp safely and efficiently helps everyone enjoy their time on the water.
A boat ramp is a sloped surface that extends into the water, allowing boats to be launched and retrieved using a trailer. Many public launches also offer amenities such as parking, courtesy docks, restrooms, fish-cleaning stations, and daily or seasonal launch passes.
Prepare Before You Reach the Ramp
One of the easiest ways to speed up the launching process is to prepare your boat in the designated staging area before it’s your turn. Be sure to:
- Install the drain plug.
- Remove tie-down straps and the boat cover.
- Load coolers, fishing gear, and watersports equipment.
- Confirm all required safety equipment is onboard.
Taking care of these tasks ahead of time keeps traffic moving and helps everyone get on the water faster.
Practice Good Boat Ramp Etiquette
Boat ramps can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. A little courtesy goes a long way toward keeping things safe and efficient. Be patient with inexperienced drivers as they try to back in.
After launching, move your boat away from the ramp so others can launch. When loading your boat at the end of the day, secure it to the trailer and move to the staging area before unloading gear or preparing for the drive home.
Be patient with less experienced boaters, wait your turn, and avoid lingering on the ramp longer than necessary. Everyone appreciates a smooth, efficient launch.
PWS Pier in Town of Liberty Grove
PWS Pier in Rowleys Bay
Put Safety First
Before every outing, inspect both your boat and trailer. Check your tires, lights, safety chains, and winch strap, and always review the weather and water conditions before heading out.
If you’re new to boating, consider practicing at a less busy launch or asking an experienced friend to help you the first few times. One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is forgetting the drain plug—a quick check before launching can save you from an unpleasant surprise.
It’s also best to avoid “power loading,” where the boat’s engine is used to force it onto the trailer. Using the trailer’s winch instead helps protect both the ramp and the surrounding environment.
Know Before You Go
Every launch is a little different. Some require daily or seasonal passes, while others have specific hours or local regulations. Taking a few minutes to check the rules before leaving home can help you avoid delays and make your day on the water more enjoyable.
If you’re still building confidence, consider visiting during off-peak hours when the launch is less crowded.
PWS Pier and Sun Stream Boat Lift
Enjoy More Time on the Water
Public boat ramps make boating accessible to thousands of families every year, and with a little preparation and good etiquette, launching your boat can become a quick and routine part of every outing.
For many boaters, public launches are the perfect way to enjoy a day on the water. But if you find yourself boating often, a private dock and boat lift can make every outing even more convenient. Instead of trailering your boat to the launch each time, you can spend less time preparing and more time doing what you love.
If you’re ready to make the most of your waterfront property, our team at Pier and Waterfront Solutions can help. From custom docks and boat lifts to complete waterfront solutions, we’ll work with you to create an access system that fits your lifestyle. Contact us today for a free quote and take the next step toward easier days on the water.
Dec 16, 2025
Winterizing piers and waterfront property require specific preparation to protect against severe cold, heavy ice formation, and fluctuating water levels. The fundamental methods involve removing or securing movable structures and implementing ice management systems for permanent installations. General maintenance and evaluation of damage sustained to piers during the boating season should also be addressed prior winter.
Ice Shove
We understand that it may be inconvenient to work around the stored pier. There may be brown grass spots under the footpads in Spring. However, nature recovers quickly. That is not true for your pier.
General Preparation
Dock Inspection and Repairs: Before winter, thoroughly inspect all components (pilings, decking, hardware, electrical) for existing damage. Schedule repairs to prevent further damage from snow and ice melt.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions service crews have the ability to make repairs on all brands of docks and boat lifts.
Remove Accessories: Disassemble and store all removable items on dry land. This includes ladders, ramps, benches, boat lifts (if possible), storage bins, and furniture.
Utilities: Disconnect and blow out any water lines to prevent freezing and bursting. Remove power sources to non-weatherproof outlets and turn off breakers. Inspect cords and junction boxes for damage.
Pier and Dock Specific Measures
The winterizing approach depends heavily on whether you have a permanent pier, a three-season pier, or a floating dock system.
Permanent Piers
Accommodate Water Levels: Lake and river water levels can fluctuate. Ensure that the fixed structure is designed to handle potential changes. Reduced water levels might leave supports exposed or strained. High water can lead to excessive ice buildup.
Ice Management: Fixed pilings are highly vulnerable to “ice-jacking.” Pier ice-jacking refers to the upward force exerted by freezing ice on dock pilings or other piers when water levels fluctuate, causing them to be lifted out of their foundations. This phenomenon is caused by rising and falling water levels, and it can lead to significant damage to docks and other structures. The best way to prevent this is to maintain an ice-free zone around the structure. Installing a dock de-icer or bubbler system is recommended to keep water moving around pilings and the structure, preventing solid ice formation in critical areas.
Monitor Ice and Snow Load: Fixed docks bear the full weight of ice and snow accumulation. Regularly remove excessive ice and snow to prevent structural overload.
Three Season Piers
Three season piers installed by Pier & Waterfront Solutions are removed in the fall and reinstalled in the spring. We recommend that you allow us to place your equipment further up on your property due to the possibility for substantial damage encountered in the spring due to ice shoves.
Improper storage too close to the water Proper storage further from the water
Floating Docks
Removal is Best: For floating docks, the safest and most effective method is often to completely remove the sections from the water and store them on dry land. This eliminates the risk of ice damage altogether.
If Left In: If removal is not feasible, floating piers need to be disconnected from shore and allowed to move in the ice. They must be securely anchored with extra slack in the lines to accommodate shifting water levels and ice movement. Monitor the dock during winter, especially after severe weather events or rapid temperature changes, as fluctuating water levels and ice pressure can quickly cause damage.
Bubblers use an air compressor to create a curtain of bubbles and are more energy-efficient and effective in shallow water.
Propeller deicers use a submerged propeller to draw warmer water up to the surface, which is more effective in deeper water.
Boat Lifts and Equipment
Raise and Disconnect: Raise the boat lift cradle completely out of the water.
Lubricate and Secure: Lubricate all moving parts with marine-safe grease. Remove the power source and secure all lines.
Boat lifts have many of the same requirements as piers depending, if they are permanent or seasonal. Bubblers and deicers do the same thing but are very different products that can be used for piers and piles or lifts.
Consult with Pier & Waterfront Solutions for service and specific advice for winterizing your Pier and waterfront.
Nov 3, 2025
Waterfront enthusiasts!
The 2025 season may be coming to an end, but now is the best time to start preparing for next year. Pier & Waterfront Solutions recommends planning early by ordering new products in the fall or early winter for installation the following spring. Lead times for new products vary, and planning ahead is crucial for custom designs, special materials, and scheduling a professional installation. Ordering early saves money and avoids delays.
- Dock and pier systems
- Aluminum docks
- Steel docks
- Permanent piers
- Boat lifts
- Cradle lifts
- Free standing lifts
- Elevator lifts
- Canopies
- Steps and stairs
- Many accessories
- Shoreline work
- Riprap
- Dredging
- Barge work
- Rock drilling
- Piles
We specialize in installation, removal, and shoreline solutions for Door County and other Wisconsin waterways.
PWS provides sales, delivery, and installation of piers, lifts, and other waterfront equipment, and accessories. Call now to have your pier designed, built and installed for next season.
Pier and Waterfront Solutions will design and manufacturer custom-built docks and floating piers for both residential and commercial applications. Customized docks and piers require additional time for engineering, design and manufacturing. Ordering early will ensure your products are ready for spring waterfront activities.
The first step to enjoying your waterfront is getting there! Waterfront Steps and Stairs are a valuable property addition. They provide safe, convenient water access while enhancing aesthetics, and boosting property value. Besides design and manufacturing, most steps and stairs require installation planning and preparation of the site. Order now to transform your “water-view” property into a waterfront adventure.
Consider accessories to include when ordering you’re your pier:
Boat lift accessories: Winch motors, canopies, and solar charging systems.
Pier accessories: Benches, ladders, bumpers, and cleats will make your pier ready for family and friends.
Toy accessories: Paddleboard/ Canoe/ Kayak Rack and Personal water craft docks make space for children and grandchildren and their toys.
How PWS can help:
- Schedule a site meeting: consider the type of pier (three season, permanent, or floating), your lakebed, shoreline work, and the accessories you want installed. Review example drawings and photos of pier and waterfront configurations.
- Request a quote: Reach out to PWS to discuss your project and a firm price. Since it is currently November 2025, contact us as soon as possible to meet the timeline for your spring 2026 installation.
- Annual follow up service: Ask about annual installation and removal for the pier products you are interested in.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions is your single source for waterfront excellence. We handle everything from design to construction and after-care, so you can focus on effortless waterfront living and cherishing every magical moment on your pier.
Don’t settle for an ordinary pier. Let’s design your waterfront masterpiece together. Contact us today at 920-493-4404 for a free consultation and unlock the full potential of your waterfront property.
Aug 31, 2021
DOCK SWAY BRACE
Is a sway brace used on your dock? If not, does your dock sway as you walk on it? There are several reasons this can happen to any dock or pier.
There are main TWO reasons for dock movement.
You need to distinguish between the two types of movement. Is it an up and down movement, or is it a side to side movement?
First, Let’s tackle the Up and Down movement.
When installed, PWS makes sure the legs are firmly on the bottom. This typically makes the dock stable for most people.
Yet, over time, storms can wash out or move the sand or rocks under the footpads. Sand is more susceptible to this action.
It’s the same effect that erosion has on the shoreline. First, it washes away sand and small stones from under the footpad. Then, it continues to work on the remaining stones and rocks. When enough materials are removed, there is nothing left to support the leg.
At this point, you may experience the sensation of up and down movement as you walk.
How do we prevent it from happening?
There is no way to completely prevent washing out of the footpads. If we disturb the lake bottom too much, it weakens the tightly packed base. Disturbing the lake bottom makes it easier for the wave action to wash the sand away. The sand (or small stones) are loosely packed and have small openings in them.
The only “cure” is to reset the legs firmly on the bottom. We notice this frequently occurs after strong storms. The “white caps” you see are moving the water under the surface also.
The second type of movement is actual “sway.”
“Sway” is the side-to-side movement when the dock is set higher above the water.
The current water level is still above average even though it is down from 2019 and 2020. This is evidenced by the continued erosion happening up and down the shoreline.
PWS raises your dock up to protect it from high wave action during the summer. When the frames are adjusted higher, the pier becomes less stable. Walking on the dock will cause a side-to-side movement because the center of gravity is higher.
Think of a simple fishing pole. When the pole moves at the bottom, the movement is amplified at the top of the pole. The higher the frames are raised, the more side movement will occur.
See this link for more information.
There is a solution.
A sway brace on the legs reduces the sway side sway. You’ll feel more secure as you walk the length of your dock.
Sway Brace
Does every set of legs need sway braces?
No. PWS will make recommendations based on the heights and lengths of your dock or pier. Often, we add a single brace on a pair of legs. Next, we alternate the position in the opposite direction on the next set of legs.
One brace is attached near the bottom of one leg and clamped higher up on the opposite leg. This depends on the height of the legs.
It may involve a crew member having to submerge in the water to reach the bottom of the leg. In spring, that is not something anyone wants to do.
Does it matter if I have an aluminum or steel frame?
A steel frame is less likely to need braces than an aluminum frame due to its own weight. Different configurations are available for aluminum frames, but the principle is the same.
Braces are available for new installations, as shown here. There is an add-on version (independent components) for existing frames. They can be added to existing dock legs if needed. Either version will help stabilize your dock in deeper water.
Will sway braces help your dock?
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more details.
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 remains “open.” We have implemented measures to help ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. PWS continues to work to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these preventive 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.” Remain at a safe distance.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jul 6, 2021
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.)
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 – YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you?
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
