Feb 19, 2019
WHAT SIZE BOATLIFT DO I NEED?
What size boatlift do you need? Purchasing a new boatlift does not have to be a confusing time. Yet, you have a lot to consider before making your final decision. By spending a little time here, you will be better educated and able to ask the right questions. Ultimately it will ensure you make a better choice.
In addition to getting the numbers, here are some things to consider:
How big is the body of water you will be on?
For instance, will you be on the bay of Green Bay, Lake Winnebago or are you on an inland lake or river? In general, the larger the body of water, the larger the waves will be and the higher your boat must be.
Are there significant fluctuations in water depth during the boating season?
Green Bay and Lake Winnebago present unique situations for boaters because these two bodies of water have substantial variations in water depth and wave action every year. Why are these fluctuations so significant?
When these two situations combine, you want a lift that puts your boat well above the water, so your investment is safe.
How about the boatlift frame construction?
You need a durable frame construction to withstand the boat weight and pressures from the waveWelded side frames prevent any lateral movement in the lift. With age, every time you put your boat on them, bolted side frames move laterally. This will eventually result in enlarged bolt holes, rusted bolts, and loose nuts from the movement of the side frames.
Welded Areas on Side Frames
Compare to other manufacturers
Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive. The more bolts used in the side frames, the weaker the entire structure is. By comparison, the ShoreMaster boatlift with welded side frames prevents lateral movement.
Only ShoreMaster boatlifts have a welded “V” frame to make access to your boat easier. You do not have to crawl over a horizontal bar to get into your boat.
What is the gauge (material thickness) of the Frame?
The best-constructed boatlifts have aluminum, welded frames using heavy gauge, square or rectangular aluminum. Round vertical legs are not as strong as a square or rectangular leg. As a result, with structurally welded frames and the heaviest gauge tubing, you have the most durable frames possible. We urge you to compare ShoreMaster lifts with any other brand.
What material is used for the pulley?
No matter what size boatlift you purchase pulley material is a critical maintenance issue for any boatlift. Most manufacturers use plastic pulleys because they are cheaper to make. On the other hand, they get brittle over time. The sides of the groove tend to crack and break off allowing the cable to fall out of the pulley. If the cable is already weakened due to rust or broken strands, the cable may break.
Plastic Pulleys
However, if the cable does not break, two things can happen:
- The cable may jam between the pulley and the tube side. As a result, it will become very difficult to raise or even lower the boat. or
- The cable may drag across the pulley shaft. This will put an excessive drag on the cable and eventually wear a groove in the shaft until it breaks the shaft off.
Brass Pulleys
ShoreMaster uses brass pulleys with stainless steel bushings for unsurpassed strength. They simply NEVER wear out or break. Even the smaller jet ski lifts use brass pulleys to minimize maintenance issues.
What is the most popular boatlift used on the Door County Peninsula?
Vertical Boat Lift
The VERTICAL boat lift is the most popular boat lift in Door Couty. It far surpasses the cantilever boatlifts used in the past.
Vertical boatlifts require less water – 6″ vs 12″. They also raise your boat higher. Normal cantilever boatlifts raise your boat 36″ – 40″ high versus a vertical lift which goes to 66″ high. Vertical lifts have capacities up to 7,000 lb.
What is the warranty of the boatlift frame?
Some boatlifts come with a 1 or 2-year factory structural warranty. Some have a five year, and a few have a 10-year warranty. ShoreMaster boatlifts carry a full 15-year structural warranty.
Don’t you deserve the best protection and strength of a ShoreMaster Boatlift?
In Part 4 of this series, the discussion will be the actual calculations to select the correct size boatlift.
Publication Dates
Part 1 of 4 – Cantilever, PWC, ShorePorts, Tracks Feb 5, 2019
2 of 4 – Hydraulic, Elevator Lifts, Floating lifts Feb 12, 2019
3 of 4 – Vertical lifts Feb 19, 2019
4 of 4 – Calculations Feb 26. 2019
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this article with them.
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 at the Idlewild Road intersection
Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Feb 12, 2019
WHAT STYLES OF BOAT LIFTS ARE AVAILABLE?
What boat lifts are available for your use? Part 1 of this series discussed the least common types of boat lifts used in Wisconsin waters. Now let’s look at more common types of boat lifts available for your selection.
Hydraulic Boat Lifts
Hydraulic Lift by ShoreMaster
Hydraulic boat lifts generally lift the highest of the available lifts. (up to 6’ high on some models). The lifting height along with the wide stance of the base gives you excellent protection for your boat. It is recommended for high waves and water surges during storms.
Hydraulic boat lifts are D.C. operated units which are quiet and use solar-powered batteries and remote controls.
ELEVATOR LIFTS
12,000# Davit Master Elevator Lift
Elevator Lifts are used with permanent pier installations (usually concrete piers or piling piers.) The elevator lifts raise the boat sideways as shown to the right and below. They lift the boat above the pier height. They are common in channels and lakes with large fluctuations in water depth and no ice movement in winter.
12,000# DavitMaster Elevator Lift
Davit Master Elevator Boat Lifts feature:
- All welded design for strength and durability;
- 6061-T6 Marine Grade Aluminum or Hot-dipped galvanized steel construction;
- Heavy duty adjustable PVC pipe guides with insert reinforcement;
- Adjustable chock system;
- Stainless steel motors for added protection;
- Stainless steel cables with aluminum grooved cable winders
- Aluminum sheaves plus Stainless steel bolts with grease fittings; and
- A Comprehensive warranty.
Some models even allow pivot construction for winter storage.
Floating Rhino Lifts
HANDCRAFTED FOR TOUGH WATERFRONT ENVIRONMENTS
Rhino Lifts were originally built to withstand the brutal marine environment of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri where very deep water is common. This type of lift is now the preferred choice for boat owners who want the ultimate in strength, durability, and boat lift performance.
Each lift – expertly welded, and hot-dip galvanized also has the highest level of convenience and safety for the people who use it.
The Rhino Lift Floating Boat Lift allows you to raise and lower your lift with the push of a button. You have the peace-of-mind gained from trusting the same equipment used by marinas, restaurants, and resorts across the United States and Canada.
The L-Arm Floating Boat Lift mounts between a U-shaped dock.
Rhino Lift L-Arm Floating Lift
Rhino Lift Front Mount Floating Lift
Front Mount Rhino Boat Lifts require a dock at the front of the lift only. It has a walking platform on three sides for loading and unloading. The lift is only secured at the front of the lift.
These floating lifts cannot be exposed to high waves. As a result, they generally go into marinas or deep water environments.
After reading Part 1 and 2 of this series, you have a better idea about the types of boat lifts generally used in Wisconsin. In Part 3 we will talk about the most popular boat lift used in Door County.
Publication Dates
Part 1 of 4 – Cantilever, PWC, ShorePorts, Tracks Feb 5, 2019
2 of 4 – Hydraulic, Elevator Lifts, Floating lifts Feb 12, 2019
3 of 4 – Vertical lifts Feb 19, 2019
4 of 4 – Calculations Feb 26. 2019
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Why not share a link to this article with them?
PWS is located at 7325 State Hwy 57, that’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Feb 8, 2019
Jerry, Very happy with pier we had large waves two weeks ago and pier was solid. ….. Gerry H.
Sep 11, 2018
Dock and Boat Lift Damage
Dock and boat lift damage was severe in the wake of the Aug 4th, 2017 storm. We were reminded of how important it is to choose the right dock and boat lift for your boat. So many homeowners were reeling thinking about having to replace their entire dock and lift system.
Even ShoreMaster owners had some issue with their dock and boat lift. Fortunately for most of the ShoreMaster owners, the damage looked severe in the early morning hours. Within a day things had settled down and they had minimal damage like missing deck panels. In most cases, these were later recovered downwind of the dock…
Why is a ShoreMaster dock and boat lift so important?
Shoremaster prides itself on premium quality docks and boat lifts. They can stand up to some of the harshest conditions Mother Nature throws at their systems. Their design team considers severe storms like these to provide you with a dock and boat lift system that can last a lifetime. That’s why ShoreMaster has the largest market share on the Bay of Green Bay – they work.
Some dealers screw solid decking down firmly and count on the sheer weight of the system to keep everything in place. ShoreMaster doesn’t do this for a reason. They want the decking to get blown out in a storm as severe as this one.
Yes, you read that correctly – They WANT the decking to get blown out. Why?
Over the years, our experience has shown that when a deck is attached permanently to the frame, the structure takes the brunt of the pressure. All too often, the whole dock becomes a twisted mess as a result. In fact, we have seen ShoreMaster aluminum docks left standing after a storm. At the same time, the steel dock with rigid decking is a twisted mess on both sides of the ShoreMaster dock.
How does Shoremaster solve this problem?
ShoreMaster solves this problem in two ways:
- They now use Glacier Flow Through decking.
- They use a plastic clip on the bottom of the decking.
Glacier Flow Through decking has 42% of the surface open. The open surface allows most of the pressure from a wave to pass thru the deck panels harmlessly.
Glacier Flow through PlasticDecking by ShoreMaster
The use of a plastic clip to hold the decking in place means that the decking will stay in place for the average wave or strong winds. With repetitive large waves, the clip is purposely allowed to break-off. The clips will break long before your dock frames become a tangled roller coaster mess like other dock brands.
Speaking of which – Have you tried the roller coaster ride at Bay Beach in Green Bay? While you are there, remember your dock would look like that roller coaster if the clips had not broken.
What about the decking you just lost?
The decking is plastic, has a low surface area, and it will sink to the bottom quickly. During this storm, we were able to recover 99% of the panels downwind. The decking is usually less than 50 feet away at the bottom. We found the panels intact with only broken clips. Isn’t it cheaper to replace some clips than to replace an entire dock frame?
What about the lifts?
ShoreMaster lifts are built to hold up too. ShoreMaster’s all aluminum welded frame, and the premium components protect your watercraft investment under the harshest conditions.
The bolts that hold screw-together boat lifts together can wear out over time, especially with strong wind and wave action. They can give out when you need the protection the most. Welded frames offer durable stability.
How reliable are the lifts?
Recently, customers have come in and told us they couldn’t find a lift with a better-constructed frame. They know that a Square or rectangular frame is much stronger than a round tube anytime. Plus the round tubes are thinner. They look at the wall thickness of the uprights and racks and find that ShoreMaster has the thickest construction in the area.
The other guys
ShoreMaster Heavy wall construction & brass pulleys
Notice the brass pulleys on the ShoreMaster lift versus the plastic pulley on the competitors lift.
These are a few of the design features that ShoreMaster implements to provide their customers with the very best in waterfront equipment. These elements mean that we keep you on the water all summer long.
If you were affected by storm damage on the Bay – or are looking for a premium dock and lift system – Contact your authorized ShoreMaster dealer – Pier & Waterfront Solutions. We will be able to assist you with:
- Service work,
- Replacement parts,
- A new system or
- any other needs you might have for your waterfront.
We even service “those other brands.” Ask us about it.
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. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is ready to assist the 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.
Aug 28, 2018
ESD: What is it? Part 1 of 2
ESD, also known as Electric Shock Drowning, is a form of drowning caused by an electric current in the water. Where does the electric current originate? It could be your boat, a malfunctioning charger or lighting system. More on this in Part 2 of this series.
I have a fiberglass boat hull – that should protect swimmers – Right??
Yes, but you also have a motor with a metal prop in the water. As a result, this exposes people in the area of the boat to an electrical shock. The shock is greater as they get closer to the source of the problem.
Why is ESD even more dangerous in freshwater?
In freshwater, electrical current passes through the body paralyzing the body muscles. The strongest, most experienced swimmer in the world will not be able to swim through the current field if this happens.
Is there a warning of ESD?
Yes, there is:
- The victim will feel tingling, numbness, pain, and paralysis. That is the first sign of a problem. The closer they get to the source of the current the stronger the sensations will be – and the more paralyzed they will become.
- Initially, the victim will be able to shout, but if they unknowingly try to swim towards the electrical source, this ability will cease as they become paralyzed.
Still able to communicate
- The ability to “shout” more than once is critical. It is the difference between an ESD, an electrocution victim, and a drowning victim. An electrocution victim may not be able to shout at all. A drowning victim can only shout once or twice before his/her lungs fill with water.
- Typically, if the victim of ESD is not close to the source, he can shout and tell you what is happening. A drowning victim cannot yell as their lungs fill with water.
- Many times the ESD victim looks distressed and not as playful as usual. The muscles will no longer function as normal.
- The situation may turn into drowning once the victim begins to get water in their lungs.
How about Electrocution
- A possible victim will be able to scream, usually only once. The victim’s muscles will cease to function almost immediately.
- There will be a sudden cessation of all activity
- The victim usually rolls on their back with their face out of the water and is not responding if wearing flotation.
- If not wearing flotation, they will likely roll onto their face.
A swimmer in distress
Drowning
- The victim cannot speak or shout
• Reflexive “ladder climbing” with their arms even for an experienced swimmer.
• Looks “playful.”
• Lasts ~60 seconds with an adult and as little as 20 seconds with a child
• Slips below surface
What to do if you suspect an ESD situation
- Keep everyone out of the water – and if they are already in the water – DO NOT allow them to swim back to the dock unless the sensation gets stronger while swimming away from the dock or boat. Remember, the source may be a nearby dock, pump or boat.
- Try to get others in the area to swim away from your dock at least 100 yards and then go to the shore. The electrical current is stronger nearest the source and dissipates as you get away from it.
- Resist the natural impulse to jump into the water to help. You will become a victim yourself. Do NOT jump into the water. Use the Reach, Throw, Row, DON’T GO technique below.
The safest way to help someone in distress
- Protect yourself by using an oar, a float or other non-conducting material to pull the swimmer to safety once the electrical source is shut off See the caption to the right.
- Immediately disconnect all power.
- Take the victim to the hospital to make sure there are no lingering effects that could be dangerous.
In General
Performing CPR if needed
- ESD victims are good candidates for successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
- Learn to perform CPR and maintain your training.
- To retrieve a person in the water, reach, throw, and row, but don’t go.
- Make sure your children understand the importance of not swimming anywhere there could be electricity. Don’t let them roughhouse on docks. Tell them what to do if they feel a tingling or shock in the water (see below).
I want to test for current myself. Can I do it?
Yes, with my digital voltmeter, put the negative lead to a ground, drop the positive lead into the water, if the needle moves, even slightly – you may have AC Voltage in the water. Having an electrician do the testing is the best way
- Have your boat tested once a year to see if it is leaking electricity, or buy a clamp meter and test it yourself. If you find any problems, have your boat inspected by a qualified electrician.
- Have a qualified ABYC electrician install an ELCI on your boat (refer them to the ABYC E-11 Standard) or use an ELCI in the shore power cord. As an alternative, install an isolation transformer on the boat.
- Test the GFCI/ELCI at least once a month or per the manufacturer’s specifications.
- DO NOT do your own 120-volt AC electrical work on a boat or hire an electrician who is not familiar with ABYC standards to do it. Many of the problems that lead to electrical faults result from the differences between shore and boat electrical systems and standards.
- NEVER dive from your boat to work on underwater fittings when it is plugged into shore power.
- DO NOT use common household extension cords for providing shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use shore power cords built to UL standards. Make sure the connections DO NOT touch the water.
If You Have A Private Dock
- NEVER swim within 100 yards of ANY dock using electrical power!
- If you have not electrified your dock or put an AC system on your boat, weigh the risks carefully before doing so.
- Need electricity on your dock – hire a licensed electrician and make sure the wiring meets the requirements in NFPA 303 and NEC 555. If your dock is already wired, hire an electrician to check that it was done properly. Docks are exposed to the elements, their electrical systems should be inspected at least once a year.
- If you normally run a power cord from your house or garage to charge your batteries, make sure the outlet has a GFCI and include an ELCI somewhere in the shore power cord. See part 2 of this series.
- NEVER swim off your dock without shutting down all shore power to the boat and the dock.
- Even if you adhere to all of these rules, nearby docks can still present a shock hazard. Educate your neighbors and work together with them to make the waterfront safe.
What if…
Someone you were with fell out of a boat without their life jacket – Would you know what to do?
- REACH: Hold on to the dock or your boat and reach your hand, a boat oar, a fishing pole, or whatever you have nearby, to the person. Many times these people have a fear of drowning and they will pull you under. Do not touch metal yourself.
- THROW: If you can’t reach far enough, toss things that float for the person to grab.
- ROW: If you’re in a boat, use the oars to move the boat closer to the person in the water, or call out to a nearby boat for help. Don’t use the boat’s motor close to a person in the water; they could be injured by the propeller
- DON’T GO: Don’t go into the water You will become a victim yourself. Call out for help. Never use a metal ladder or stairs to enter the water when there is an electrical problem
Be careful reaching from the boat or dock – If you are touching metal, you may be a path to ground yourself.
In part two of this series, we will explain more about the GFCI and ELCI.
Where is PWS?
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. It is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road.
Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you? Feel free to give us a call.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
