May 20, 2026
May is the, “It’s finally time!” month for Great Lakes dock owners. It is time to transition from winter concern to spring preparation. Whether you are on Lake Michigan or the Bay of Green Bay the harsh winter likely left your shoreline needing some attention.
Here is your essential May purchase and to-do list to get your waterfront ready for summer.
1. Dock Inspection & Hardware Replacements
Before reinstalling docks or lifts inspect everything for rust or damage.
- Corrosion-Resistant Hardware: Purchase stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized bolts, fasteners, and brackets.
- Dock Cleats & Bumpers: Upgrade to heavy-duty cleats and add new PVC or rubber bumpers to protect your boat and dock.
- Foot Pads & Leg Kits: Replace damaged leg posts or add new foot pads for stability.
- Replacement Rollers/Wheels: If you have a roll-in dock, check that the tires are still functional.
- Structural Sections: If you need to replace pier sections or extend your pier into deeper water, order now to avoid delays.
2. Shoreline & Safety Upgrades
- Dock Lighting: Solar-powered LED lights are a great option for safety and to mark your dock after dark.
- Dock Box: A weatherproof dock box is essential to store life jackets, tools, and cleaners on-site.
- Ladders: Now is a good time to add new ladders to your dock or seawall. Inspect current ladders to ensure they are secure for swimmers. Complete any repairs before summer.
- Erosion Control: Inspect for erosion or washouts. Protecting your property during lower water years can save money and stress later.
3. Boat Lift and Mooring Gear
- Lift Covers & Canopy: Inspect your boat lift canopy. Replace worn covers to protect against harsh summer sun.
- Mooring Lines & Bumpers: Buy new 5/8-or-1/2-inch nylon dock lines and marine-grade fenders or bumpers to handle shifting water levels.
4. What to bring to the pier before heading out on the lake.
- Sun Protection Comes First: Even on cooler days, the sun reflecting off the water is no joke. Always stock up on high-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a good hat. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not heading home looking like a lobster.
- The “Just in Case” Boating Kit:
- Extra dock lines
- A basic tool kit
- Spare fuses and a flashlight
- First aid supplies
- The Small Stuff That Saves the Day:
- Lip balm with SPF
- Bug spray for early mornings or evenings
- Dry-bags for valuables
- Extra towels or a change of clothes
Beat the Rush
Local dock specialists (like Pier and Waterfront Solutions) get fully booked in May.
- Schedule Professionals: Pier and waterfront Solutions service can install your docks or lifts, call immediately to secure your spot.
- New and Used Markets: Pier and Waterfront Solutions can provide new and used dock sections or lifts.
May is prime prep season on the Great Lakes. Water levels are rising and summer is coming! Prepare now before traffic ramps up!
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions today at 920-493-4404
Our Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8am – 4pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: Closed
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 27, 2025
Having a dock can be a great way to enjoy your waterfront home to the fullest. However, to make your experience even more enjoyable, you may want to have a few fun and beneficial accessories. Dock accessories play a key role in enhancing your dock’s usability, safety, and comfort.
Bumpers: Bumpers protect your dock from being knocked and damaged by your boat during mooring. Installing bumpers can help your boat dock last longer and continue to have a scratch-free appearance. Dock bumpers are available in various sizes and materials, including foam and rubber, to suit different needs and preferences.
Cleats: Cleats are small metal fixtures used to secure mooring lines. Sturdy and inconspicuous, they help you keep your boat safe and secure.
Paddleboard/ Canoe/ Kayak Rack: Store your paddleboard, kayak or canoe off of your dock with an accessory bracket that attaches to the outside perimeter of your dock at any location. Kayak racks provide a secure and organized way to store kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on your dock. They keep your watercraft safe and out of the way when not in use. Installing a kayak rack maximizes space on your dock and ensures that your equipment is readily accessible and protected from damage.
Handrail: It’s the perfect accessory for safety-conscious owners.
Power Pedestals: Dock power pedestals offer numerous benefits including convenient access to electricity and water for boaters, streamlined connections, enhanced safety, and improved overall dock management. They eliminate the need for long extension cords and hoses, allowing for easy access to power and water for charging devices, running appliances, and performing maintenance.
Boat canopies: offer various benefits like sun protection, weather resistance, and enhanced boat value. The protection they provide against UV rays, water damage, and debris preserve the value of your boat.
Electric winch motors: replace manual cranking, allowing you to lift or pull with the push of a button or remote control, reducing manual effort and saving time. Winch motors offer controlled and predictable lifting/pulling motions, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Even if you aren’t a serious boater, there are a few dock accessories that can give you a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Ladders: Permanent ladders let you get in and out of the water easily. Pivot Ladders have a vertical pivoting action and locking pin allowing you to flip the ladder up when you’re not using it.
Fishing Station / Rod Holder: lets you relax on your dock and catch tonight’s dinner. The QuickConnect rod holder system is drill-free so you can move it anywhere on your dock.
Dock Bench: dock benches add comfort and style to your dock.
Dock Furniture: is easy to add, remove and adjust for a beautiful look and relaxing atmosphere. Transform your dock into a comfortable lounging area.
Solar Dock Lights: offer cost-effective and easy installation eliminating the need for electrical wiring. Solar lights enhance safety by providing illumination for navigating docks at night and preventing accidents. Solar lights are available in various designs and colors, adding to the visual appeal of the dock.
Slides and basketball hoops: add fun and games to your dock.
Pier and Waterfront Solutions is delighted to not only build and install docks but also provide you with a wide array of dock accessories. Whether you need a new ladder or dock bumpers, we’re happy to help you choose the dock accessories you want and install them for you. Pier & Waterfront Solutions will make your dock system work for you so you can get back to enjoying your time on the water.
Jul 8, 2025
Hydraulic boat lifts offer faster and easier operation compared to cable lifts, making them a popular choice. Cable lifts are durable and require less maintenance. They are generally more affordable.
Fully Hydraulic Boat Lifts
A fully hydraulic lift is a modern type of lift that uses hydraulics to lift your boat. Hydraulic systems use pressurized fluid to transfer power and movement. In a hydraulic boat lift, the system is comprised of hydraulic cylinders connected to a control system and pump. The pump sends fluid into the cylinders, which move up or down to raise or lower the boat.
Fully hydraulic lifts are typically constructed as cantilever lifts, omitting the use of upper beams or cables. They can be installed as low-profile lifts with a shallow water kit. The cantilever style enabling easy access to the boat from the pier or loading dock. With their ability to handle heavy loads and fast speeds, hydraulic lifts are an ideal choice for large boats.
Faster:
Hydraulic lifts use hydraulic fluid to lift the boat, making them faster and easier to operate than cable lifts.
Higher Lifting Range:
Some hydraulic lifts can lift boats higher than cable lifts, offering greater versatility in water depth and boat size.
Maintenance:
Hydraulic lifts require regular maintenance to ensure the hydraulic fluid is clean and the system is functioning properly.
Perform boat lift battery maintenance:
- Inspect for damage regularly
- Clean battery terminals
- Check voltage
- Keep the battery charged
Cable Boat Lifts
A cable lift is a traditional type of boat lift that uses cables and pulleys to lift your boat. The cables are attached to the four corners of a cradle or platform that supports your boat. The cables are wound around a drum that can be driven by a manual wheel or an electric motor. When the motor rotates the drum, the cables pull the cradle up or down along the vertical corner posts.
Cable lifts are available as vertical or cantilever. Cable lifts, regardless of the type, can support boats of different shapes and sizes, including pontoons and fishing boats.
Less Expensive:
Cable lifts are generally more affordable than hydraulic lifts, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Durable:
Cable lifts are known for their durability and long-term reliability, with minimal maintenance required.
Slower Operation:
Cable lifts are generally slower to operate than hydraulic lifts, as they rely on a motor to pull the cable.
Water Depth:
Most cable lifts are designed to work well in shallow water.
Combination Hydraulic / Cable Lifts:
The combination hydraulic / cable lift utilizes hydraulic power to pull cables, rather than winding them around a drum. This reduces cable wear and maintenance. Less cable wear results in longer cable life, lowering the need for replacement.
Factors to Consider in Wisconsin
Water Fluctuation:
Wisconsin lakes and waterways experience significant water level fluctuations. This can affect the type of lift to choose.
Wave Action:
How wave action can affect boat lifts:
- Stress on cables: High waves can increase stress on boat lift cables, potentially causing them to weaken and even sever.
- Boat movement: Waves hitting the bottom of the boat can cause it to lift and fall back onto the rack.
- Overloading the lift: Storms can cause water to accumulate on the boat, potentially overloading the lift’s capacity.
Ultimately, the best choice for a boat lift depends on your specific needs, budget, and the location of your dock. Consider factors like water depth, boat size, and desired speed and ease of operation when making your decision. Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for assistance selecting the right system for you.
Aug 26, 2021
Dear Jerry,
You have 2 fantastic workers on your staff! Ben and Alex were so knowledgeable and hard working. We cannot be more impressed or pleased.
It just poured down rain on them for the whole time they were here! Your customers are in good hands with those two!
Cathi & Bob P.
