Jun 15, 2021
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.
Jun 8, 2021
BoatLift Accessories Make Life Simple
Summer fun starts and ends at your dock and boat lift. Here, all your summer waterfront activities begin. Make your dock and boat lift look great and perform effortlessly.
There is no need to struggle to bring your boat back into your lift. PWS has the equipment to make life easier for you.
PWS features a full line of ShoreMaster boat lift accessories. We have a wide range of accessories to customize your dock and boat lift and fit your needs. Here are a few of the most popular solutions for your boat lift.
Vinyl Bunks
Aluminum and Vinyl Bunks
PWS offers top-of-the-line, vinyl-covered aluminum bunks that protect your boats hull. With vinyl-covered bunks, you’ll never have torn, unsightly carpeting to replace.
Vinyl does not hold the sand and debris like carpeting does and never needs replacement. Vinyl bunks protect your hulls’ finish and make a great boat lift accessory.
Is it time for you to step up? Contact Jerry now @ 920-493-04404
Bunks & Guide accessories
Guides and Rails
PWS also offers bow or full-length guides to hold your boat in the proper lifting position. The guides and rails make it much easier to control your boat in the waves.
The bow guide keeps your boat from overrunning the lift to ensure that it’s properly aligned. Waves will no longer push you too far forward on the boatlift.
You’re always appropriately balanced on the lift rack. See also.
Full-length guides mount on the lift rack to help you center the boat. Never get washed into the frames again. More importantly, the boat remains correctly centered at all times.
The boat guide and full-length guide use high-quality marine aluminum alloys and offer durability and protection for your watercraft.
For pontoon boat owners, we offer a welded aluminum rail kit option. They fit your craft’s unique shape.
Adjustable Motor Stop
Motor Stops
Keep your boat from advancing too far into the lift by installing a motor stop. Motor stops let you position your boat on the lift with ease. This stop keeps your boat correctly balanced on the lift frames.
Isn’t time to call 920-493-4404?
Adjustable Bow Stop
Bow Guide Accessory
Here’s another alternative to keep your boat in the correct position. The adjustable Bow Stop accessory prevents you from overrunning your boat lift. The cushioned bumper on the frame prevents damage to your boat. You’ll always be in the exact position for storing your boat.
The bow stop or the motor stop will make your life easier. Call Jerry today!
PVC Guide on-Single set
PVC Vertical Guide-On
A PVC vertical guide-on makes it easier to align and position your watercraft on the boat lift. The PVC guide-on means there is no maintenance. These guides allow your boat to slide along drive the boat rub rail to prevent touching the hull or marring the gel coat or decals. They gently push you back into position as the PVC turns. They are available in single or Double units.
Battery Box Holders & Trays
Battery box tray accessory
Keeping your batteries out of the way is vital for safe and convenient operation. Never let a battery sit unprotected on your dock where children can touch them.
The battery tray mounts to the frame on the lift leg or a canopy frame. You’ll have a clean, clutter-free look with the batteries stored in the proper cases
Canopy Lift Loft
Canopy Lift Lofts
The universal size loft fits any canopy system. A loft can help keep your boating accessories dry and out of the way. The mesh is breathable and coated to inhibit mold growth. They are a great place to store your life preservers, canoe or kayak paddles, and more. Keep them handy, safe, and dry.
You’ll never have to find someone to carry your equipment to the boat again.
Contact Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link for more information.
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.
Apr 27, 2021
In a March 30, 2021 article, PWS announced the latest addition to our dock & boat lift install equipment. Namely – our “small barge.” We now have a much clearer picture to show you.
The “Small Barge” measures 12′ x 40′, so it’s not so small after all. Powered by (2) – 225 HP motors it requires a semi to transport it.
Where has it been since that article?
“Small Barge”
It’s been undergoing retrofitting and adjustments until we were ready to launch it.
In this picture, you see the barge supported on the four downriggers. The downriggers suspend the barge above the water to weather storms and stabilize the barge during installations. With the entire barge suspended in the air we are able to handle everything nature can throw at us.
What does the addition of the “Small Barge” mean for you?
It may be showing up on your waterfront. No, this is not meant to just haul rock or boulders like our other barge.
The “small barge” installs and removes docks and lifts only. Remember, many times its difficult to get our ATF’s down on the beach to do installations. Even if we do get to some of these locations, we could sustain damage to the undercarriage. That’s a costly situation.
The “small barge” has a 60-foot knuckle boom (shown here with only 3 of the lengths opened). There are four more lengths yet to be extended. This allows us to reach your equipment on the shores without the use of our ATF’s.
We can raise your boat lift or dock and swing around to install it where its needed.
In Fall, we return your equipment to the shore without damaging the lawn. Water soaked lawns are no longer a problem.
Another unique feature
Notice that the knuckle boom will move forward and backwards on a “track” in the middle of the barge. The entire boom can move about 30′ forward for extra reach. Combined with a very shallow draft its an innovative and faster way to install on Green Bay.
PWS always is looking for ways to complete the installs faster each year. By becoming more efficient we can service more people.
The recent closure of Port-A-Pier makes it even more important than ever to find ways to handle the extra workload.
You can depend on Pier & Waterfront Solutions to continue to innovate to handle your needs.
One Final Update
Not to be left behind, PWS has also completed the expansion of our large Barge. The addition of the middle section means we now have a 36′ wide x 45′ Barge. That’s a 33% increase in the overall size and capacity.
Enlarged 36′ x 45″ Barge
Where can I 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 next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus continues to spread and affects many people. We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible.
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.
Apr 13, 2021
What is the BEST hydraulic boat lift for Green Bay & Lake Michigan?
Want the BEST hydraulic boat lift for Green Bay waters? Look no further than the latest addition to Pier & Waterfront Solutions premier lines. PWS now features Sunstream SunLift™ hydraulic lifts.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions recently diversified the selection of hydraulic lifts. You now have a choice of hydraulic lifts with capacities up to 30,000 lbs. and lifting heights to 6′-6″.
What does this mean for you?
Want the fastest, free-standing hydraulic lift with the greatest lifting height and smoothest operation? Check out Sunstream SunLift.™
Sunstream SunLift Hydraulic boat lift
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three most popular brands:
HYDRAULIC BOAT LIFTS
Sunstream ShoreMaster Shorestation
Capacity – 2,000 – 30,000# 4,000–12,500# 2,000–15,000 #
Lifting Height – 36″- 78″ 36″– 60″ 70″
Min. Depth* – 12″ 12″ 14″-21″
Wireless Remote – Y Y Y
Inside Width – > Boat width 108” – 132” 108” – 144”
Cables Used? NO NO YES
*Plus the draft of the boat
Ease of operation
Today you can use your boat as easily as you use your car. Get out on the water more often, and have more fun.
Sunstream has wireless remote controls and optional motor-stop and guide-on systems. These features make operating and docking easy even for a new skipper. There are NO Cables Used.
Sunstream pioneered the hydraulic, free-standing boat lift revolution. They continue to advance the technology and is known for reliability, durability, and safe design.
Sunstream SunLift™ has been proven with years of service in salt and freshwater environments. Sunstream has a wide range of accessories to optimizes the lift for your specific needs.
We’ll have more details in the coming weeks.
Where is 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 road MM (heading north). Look on the right at the next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks
The Covid virus continues to spread and affects many people. Don’t be one of them.
PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible.
PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7
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.
Red Tag
PWS will provide estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us today with any questions.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.
Mar 30, 2021
Small barge for PWS
A small Barge is the latest piece of equipment in the Pier & Waterfront Solutions list of tools. No, this is not the same piece of equipment announced last week.
What’s 12′ x 40′?
Our new small barge!
Powered by dual 225 HP engines, the small barge has a moveable 60′ Knuckle Boom. A Semi tractor and trailer deliver the equipment to the launch site and unloads it. The barge then moves under power to the job sites. No pusher boat required.
Small Barge
The small barge is currently undergoing retrofitting. However, it will be ready in time for the install season. Due to space limitations, we were unable to get a better picture for this article.
What’s unique about this latest equipment?
The knuckle boom folds into a compact package on the deck for traveling. The small barge can get in closer to the shoreline.
Four downriggers on the barge fold flat on the deck for transport. Once at the job site, one or more of the downriggers raise vertically and lock in place. The legs are then extended down to the lake bottom to raise and stabilize the barge on the 3′ x 3′ pads.
A rail system built into the barge deck makes it possible for the crane to move forward or backward on the barge. Once in the proper position, the boom extends up to 60′ to pick equipment off the shoreline. No All-Terrain-Forklift required.
Next, the boom with the dock or lift on it rotates around and places the pier or lift where it’s needed.
There will be no need to drive across your lawn on sites when using the small barge.
Where is 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 road MM (heading north). Look on the right at the next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks
The Covid virus continues to spread and affects many people. Don’t be one of them.
PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible.
PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7
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.
Red Tag
PWS will provide estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us today with any questions.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.
