Dec 29, 2020
PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS
Pier & Waterfront
Solutions LLC
As 2020 comes to an end, we’d like to summarize the history of Pier & Waterfront Solutions.
Dave Kalista and Jerry Englebert started in 2015. Like all new business owners, they were willing to put their futures on the line.
The first “office” consisted of a tiny room that was so small you literally had to walk sideways to get past the table. It was more like a closet.
All-Terrain Forklift
In the first year, installs and removals were done with ATF #1, an All Terrain Forklift, which Dave operated along with Alex, our first employee. Alex is with us today and has his own crew.
The heavy equipment required a truck and a trailer to move it. The first time the trailer was loaded with the ATF and driven just a few miles, one of the tires blew out. Not a good omen.
PWS moved and expanded
Pier & Waterfront Solutions moved out of the “closet” into a one-room office on Hwy 57 (our current location). ATF storage was done in a separate warehouse on the property.
After doing sales and service themselves for a year, Dave and Jerry had a growing list of customers and added a full-time crew.
2016-2020 saw the addition of more ATF’s, crews, and trailers. Five ATF’s to be exact.
The shop has now grown to encompass about 90% of the building. Meanwhile, the one-room office has grown to three offices. We needed more room to accommodate the office staff of 5 needed to run the operation.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
PWS expanded into our shoreline business, which became part of our “waterfront solutions” name.
Track mounted skid steer
The shoreline business currently has three track-mounted skid steers, along with three excavators for installing rip-rap to protect shorelines. Each piece of equipment meant more crews, trucks, and assorted equipment.
THE GROWING BUSINESS HAS MORE FACETS
Barge with excavator
As the rip-rap business grew, we introduced our 24′ x 45′ barge and pusher boat.
Why such a large barge? The barge allows us to transport the excavator, a track-mounted skid steer, and tons of boulders and rip-rap directly to work sites. It’s more economical for the consumer and gives us access to areas that were inaccessible by land.
Watch for more developments with the barge in 2021.
THE NEXT INTRODUCTION
PWS developed our own line of galvanized steel docks because other steel docks were not doing the job.
Steel 3-Season Pier
The 3-Season Pier was introduced as a heavier, stronger steel pier with oversized features from top to bottom. Even the side platforms went from the normal 4′ x 8′ platform (32 sq. ft.) to a 4′ x 10′ area. (40 Sq. ft.). That’s 25% larger than lesser brands – and it’s the standard size.
Due to its quarter-ton+ weight per section, the 3-Season Pier is able to handle the record-setting high water we currently have. But even more importantly, it can withstand the strong storms we now see frequently on the Bay of Green Bay.
More developments are coming in 2021!!
It’s not all good news.
On a sad note, early 2020 saw the tragic loss of John Engelbert, Jerry’s brother. John was our Service Manager and friend. He passed away due to complications from diabetes. Everyone who knew John misses him.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HAVE IN STORE FOR PWS?
PWS is not sitting back on its laurels. Our staff continues to seek even more ways to serve our customer needs.
In the coming months, we will be announcing new areas we will expand to serve customers better.
How will you find out about these changes?
The best way is to come back here each week and follow the posts on our website.
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 at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks
The virus continues to spread rapidly. The vaccines are arriving and PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing,
please reference that number when you inquire.
We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
What can YOU do?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and phone. When you see our staff and crews on-site, please 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!
Nov 24, 2020
Should Floating Piers be removed in winter?
Winter can be brutal in Wisconsin. It’s already knocking on the door. What should you do with your floating dock in winter? Will I lose my investment? Should I remove it or leave it in place? Will it get damaged if I leave it in the water? These are all excellent questions.
What should you do with your floating dock in winter?
It depends! It depends on several things. Are you on a pond or in an enclosed area with no ice movement? Then your dock has a chance to survive.
During the winter, there should not be any problem with dock damage. Most people don’t realize this, but there is NO ice under your floats. If you could reach through the ice and put your hand under the float, you would find open water.
The dock is floating on a bed of water throughout the winter. Yes, there is ice all around the sides and under the pier but not under the floats. If the ice does try to squeeze the sides, the floats will push up higher.
Can floating docks survive in winter?
Yes, if certain conditions exist.
Condition 1 and the essential requirement is: There can be NO ice movement in spring. If the ice moves in spring, there is no way to stop damage. You will most likely lose your investment – even on a small pond. Has the ice ever piled up on the shore?
There is one exception to this rule.
On a pond or in a tightly enclosed area where the ice does not pile up, you can leave it in the water. You must, however, remove anything that holds the pier in a firm location. We recommend that before the area freezes over, you move the dock into the center of the pond and loosely tie ropes to keep it there.
Floating Lift stored for winter
By tying the dock off the shore, the pier will move along with it in the winter and early spring. Moving the pier or raft to the center will save your dock from severe damage. 99% of the time, when the dock finally reaches the shore, the ice has melted away.
Condition 2. Waves should not exceed 1 foot. Remember, the dock in the pond’s center is loosely tied, and you don’t want the dock being torn loose.
Condition 3. Remove any “canopy-like” structures, so they do not allow the wind to move the dock.
Condition 4. Do not allow any of the floats to drag on the bottom at the shore. Allowing any floats to contact the shoreline or sit on rocks could destroy the float and dock.
Condition 5. Remove ladders or any other accessories from the water. Do not allow anything to hand down in the water during the winter.
CONCLUSION
Should I remove it or leave it in during the winter?
Follow these conditions, and in most cases, you will be OK.
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 at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “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.
Please use face masks
Because the virus has increased its spread, PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer. We hope everyone will stay safe with these measures, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number when you call.
We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer. We hope everyone will stay safe with these measures, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews on-site, please 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!
Sep 8, 2020
Vinyl Bunks Are A Better Value.
Vinyl bunks are a much better value than carpeted bunks. You bought your boat to enjoy yourself – not replace worn-out carpeting on the weekend.
Many boat and PWC lifts utilize carpeted bunks to support the vessel. These are an economical option and provide sufficient support for your boat or PWC (personal watercraft).
Vinyl Bunks
However, over time, the carpet on wood bunks becomes worn or frayed. This situation can create contact between the hull of the boat and the raw wood. Besides, sand and debris could be lodged in the carpet fabric. The sand will grind against the hull of the watercraft. It goes without saying this is not a condition you want. Any loose or frayed carpet should be replaced to prevent potential trip hazards too.
Do your carpeted boat bunks need replacement again this year? Vinyl bunks never require replacement.
Vinyl boat bunks may cost more than carpeted bunks initially but they are a better value over time.
When should the bunks be inspected?
Spring & Fall are excellent times to inspect the wood structure of the carpeted wood bunks. Wood, being a natural material, can become warped, cracked, or rotten. If you find any soft spots or warping of the wood material, replace the bunk before using it.
For more information on checking & servicing your lift, see https://wisconsinpws.com/lift-cable-maintenance/
Perhaps you’ve purchased a new PWC or boat and want the best bunk for your new purchase, consider ShoreMaster vinyl boat bunks.
Vinyl boat bunks have a strong history.
ShoreMaster has used vinyl boat bunks for boats, PWC’s and pontoons for decades. The vinyl bunks will save you money in the long run because the aluminum channel will never rot or warp like wood. Plus, the vinyl never requires replacement like carpeting does. You’ll also save money and frustration because the vinyl material is less prone to wear than carpet,
Put simply; vinyl boat bunks are far more durable than carpeted bunks. The vinyl material used on ShoreMaster‘s vinyl boat bunks does not promote the adhesion of sand, and debris like carpet can, which means your boat or PWC will stay cleaner, longer.
What about Vinyl boat bunks vs. Cradles?
Full-length vinyl boat bunks offer greater support than cradles. A much longer area is supported. The weight of your watercraft is distributed along the bunk’s length to prevent pressure points where your hull contacts the supports. When you have a choice between cradles, carpeted bunks, and vinyl bunks, you are better off in the long run with the vinyl boat bunks. When it comes to the total cost of ownership and resale value, vinyl boat bunks are the best value.
Vinyl boat bunks are available for all ShoreMaster boat lifts. If you are considering repairing a set of carpeted wood bunks, it may be wise to upgrade to vinyl bunks once and for all.
Always Remember:
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in all ShoreMaster accessories for docks and lifts. We are located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57 south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
In Conclusion
The continued introduction of refinements keeps Shoremaster at the top of the best-in-class list.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email a link to this article – and Thank you!
You can visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Don’t Forget – PWS is the expert when you have a waterfront question!
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.”
While all this is going on, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect. That’s important to us.
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.
Call, message, or use this simple request form to get answers and quotes.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you – safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
