It may seem early in the season to be thinking about water levels but not for us! We need to know what to expect in the months to come to be ready for what may, or may not, happen. Summer water levels tell us how much pier our customers will need and where to install boat lifts. With extreme highs come shoreline damage, extra pipe for longer legs and big, damaging waves. With extreme lows, not enough pier to get adequate depth, higher demand for pier sections and extra work setting boat lifts. We’ve seen both of these issues within the past ten years. So what can you expect for this coming summer?
In order to know where our water levels will be this summer, you have to look at the condition of the lakes in the winter. Our current ice concentration on the Great Lakes remains below normal. If you look at the pictures in reference A, you will see the difference between the ice formation in late January 2022 and 2023.
So why is ice important you might ask? The amount of ice and snow formed over the winter directly affects the water levels in our lakes and streams come summertime. Without snow, we don’t have the snowpack melt needed to refill our aquifers in spring. On average, the melt from the snowpack is responsible for one third of the ground water we see in spring. Even though we may not have much snow in our specific area, we benefit greatly from the connection of the Great Lakes. Heavy snow fall in southern Canada melts and fills Lake Superior which in turn flows into Lake Huron which is hydraulically connected to Lake Michigan. The more snow the better too because the ratio of snow to water is only 12:1, meaning you need about 12” of snow to generate 1” of water. As snowmelt fills our lakes and streams, ice protects them from evaporation and outflow. Statistically we have lost 30% of ice coverage on the Great Lakes since 1970. Reduced ice cover leads to increased evaporation and lower water levels, as well as an increase in water temperature and sunlight penetration. This has caused lake ice to form later than usual, about a day to a day and a half per decade. The rising surface water temperature has also affected “ice off” or the thaw dates for ice on the Great Lakes.Earlier ice off dates, which is currently about 24 days sooner since studies began in the early 1900’s, means the lake absorbs more heat over spring and summer perpetuating the late ice formation. Another effect of the warmer surface water, reduced ice cover, and increased evaporation is a corresponding increase in precipitation over nearby land, especially “lake effect” snow. This precipitation is depositing the water evaporated from the western lakes over eastern states starving the aquafers of the wester lake’s bordering states. A smaller role ice coverage plays is in the outflows of rivers and streams from the western lakes into the eastern lakes as they deposit into the Atlantic. The ice coverage helps reduce the flow of water between the lakes and without it, more water is flowing and depositing into the Atlantic throughout the winter without being replenished by icepack or precipitation.
Now that we know the condition of the lakes in winter, what can we expect this coming summer? Stay tuned for next months blog to find out what we are predicting for water levels in summer and what you can do to stay ahead of it.
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 ShoreMasterboat 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.
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.
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.
Lights for your dock and boat lift are essential for the security of your family and guests. Proper dock lights can prevent a serious accident.
Lighting also serves as a guide when you return to your pier at night.
PWS will help you select the proper lighting for your particular needs.
Here are some suggestions to enhance the security, safety, and appearance of your dock.
Are Solar-Powered Lights better than AC Lights?
Solar cells can control both systems. AC-powered lights can also operate with a timer. Solar lights turn on and off when the light level dims. You don’t have to be present, and they need no AC power to operate.
Solar-powered lights cost nothing to use and are safer to operate, with no risk of shock. They charge even when it’s cloudy.
Reminder: You don’t have to remove a solar powered lights if your dock requires removal each year. Solar lights are self-contained and have no exposed wires. Solar lighting does not need power boxes at the shore with safety circuits in the house.
To answer your question – YES– solar lighting is the preferred method.
Where can you mount dock lights?
The preferred location for dock lighting is on the deck surface or on the leg posts. The deck-mounted style mounts along the edge of the dock, where you are not likely to step on it. You have a choice:
A hole placed in the decking with the lights placed almost flush with the deck surface.
Lights can mount on the side of the dock.
Mounted on the top of the decking at the edge of the pier. OR
A post-mounted light fixture mounts on a leg post above the decking. This is a simple mounting, but the heights may vary depending on the water depths from year to year.
Post lights
For Visual Drama and Safety, Illuminate the Water’s Edge
Add a set of lights that shine into the water and reflect off the edges of the dock. This adds both visual impact and a second safety factor. The pier is more visible as you bring the boat into your lift.
Choose Colors that Help Identify Your Dock for Visitors
At night, it can be difficult to distinguish which dock is yours. This is especially true if you cannot see any of the landscaping or tree outlines. If neighboring piers use the same colored lights, it can be challenging to pick the correct one.
Consider adding red and green lights at the end of your dock to help you steer your boat to the correct side at night. You can use any available color scheme at the end.
Light for Safety When Leaving the Dock Area
Place a light on a high pole or tree, shining down at the entrance to your path or stairway. This will provide visibility at the entrance to your dock. Avoid lights that cast a bright light in a wide pattern. Let your guests and neighbors sleep.
Think safety first, visual drama second.
Who can help you make your selections? Pier & Waterfront Solutions!!!
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.
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.
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″.
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.
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.
PWSdisplay 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.
