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.
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.
Jan 12, 2021
Why are Welded Boat Lift Frames Superior?
Welds on Vertical Lift Frames
Welded boat lift frames are superior to the typical bolt-together structures found so frequently. There are several reasons for this.
Most of them center around the reduced maintenance, superior strength, and durability of welded lifts and canopy frames.
You spent good money when you bought the boat lift or canopy. Shouldn’t you get the best one available?
Why would you want to spend a weekend checking and tightening the nuts and bolts on your boat lift or canopy? We’re pretty sure you don’t.
In that case, why not purchase a high-quality boat lift or canopy, which has most of its critical components welded together.
ShoreMaster welded boat lift frames and canopies leave you free to enjoy your time away. Why waste any time tightening nuts and bolts. Your time is too valuable.
Quality starts with state-of-the-art welding.
Welded Frames = Less Maintenance
ShoreMaster welded boat lifts save you time because they require less maintenance and give you more strength.
Welded Boat Lift Frames Stay True and Square
Bolt-together boat lifts eventually become loose due to everyday use and prolonged periods of heavy waves striking the frame. Corrosion of the hardware only accelerates this process.
If you neglect to tighten a loose bolt on your boat lift, other parts of the boat lift such as the cables, pulleys, winch, or other components can wear prematurely.
A loose bolt will result in the frame shifting, which may result in a costly repair.
Loose bolts make it extremely difficult for you to discover the source of the failure.
How do you know when you have loose bolts?
A simple test is to push on one corner of the bat lift. If there is excessive movement in the frames, in particular forward and backward, you have one of two situations:
- One of more bolts are loose; or
- The lift is not sitting firmly on the bottom.
What about a canopy frame?
A welded boat lift canopy frame can save you hours in assembly time. Using just five bolts for a welded frame vs. dozens of nuts and bolts makes sense. A welded canopy frame adds more strength and rigidity to the entire boat lift also.
When it comes to assembling a boat lift, or canopy, you’ll be glad that you choose a welded product over a bolt together product.
Also, welded products take less time to assemble than a bolt together product.
Consider for a moment just one person can complete the assembly of a ShoreMaster canopy frame in as little as 30 minutes because the canopy frame includes only four all-welded components; two canopy ends and two canopy sides. Other manufacturers have dozens of parts that need bolting together.
ShoreMaster welded boat lifts do not require replacing frame parts caused by unusual wear due to loose, missing, or corroded welds. A bolt-together frame cannot say the same thing. ShoreMaster adds thick reinforcing plates on the frame structure when using bolts structure.
A Welded Boat Lift Offers Higher Resale Value
Because welds are permanent and require no maintenance, you will find that your welded-together boat lifts are more valuable at resale time. Welds will not rust or corrode like hardware. Potential buyers will be wary of the impending costs to replace worn out or corroded hardware.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST, Cty MM’s intersection (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. 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
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. 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 phones. 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!
Jan 5, 2021
Boat Lift Styles
In Wisconsin waters, there are (5) different boat lift styles generally used. The (5) styles include:
- Cantilever,
- Vertical,
- Hydraulic,
- Floating, and
- Elevator boat lifts.
Different conditions require different boat lifts.
Cantilever Lift
Cantilever Boat Lift Style
If you are on an inland lake or river where the water depth does not fluctuate more than 12″ throughout the boating season and wave action does not exceed 6″, a cantilever lift is generally suitable for you.
Cantilever lifts requires about 12″ of water plus the draft of your boat to operate. The lifting rack requires that depth of water due to the shape of the frames.
At first glance, that seems deep enough for most boats, but you still have to allow enough water above the rack to float your boat.
The real limitation of a cantilever lift is the total lifting height. If a river rises, especially after a heavy rainstorm, a boat can easily float off the lift. The boat is not up high enough to prevent the water from washing it away. Who knows how far it will travel before it hits something?
The normal lifting range is between 40″ and 48″. Remember, the rack starts at 12″ plus the draft of your boat, so you are usually less than 12″ above the water at its highest point.
Vertical Lift
On any large body of water, a vertical lift is the recommended lift for most people. Vertical lifts do a better job of protecting your boat from waves.
Some vertical lifts require about 6″-10″ of water plus the draft of the boat. As an example, ShoreMaster vertical boat lifts require only 6″ of water (plus the draft of your boat). Given the same conditions, you have already gained 6″ with this one feature alone.
Vertical Boat Lift Style
Now, add the total lifting height of 66″ for a ShoreMaster vertical lift, and you gained a minimum of 18 or more inches of protection vs. a cantilever lift.
Your most significant protection comes from the lifting height. Don’t forget about the strength of the lift frame and the gauge of the material used. ONLY the ShoreMaster boat lift has welded side frames with heavy-duty square or rectangular frames for more strength.
Other brands require several packages of bolts and nuts to assemble the frames. Eventually, the holes for the bolts enlarge, and the frames begin to sway. The solid welded frame is a real advantage at this time. A minimal number of bolts are needed.
Can a lift raise a boat TOO high?
Strange as it may seem, it is possible to go too high. How? When the frames are not strong enough to handle the leverage of the weight from the boat.
At least one brand does lift higher than a ShoreMaster lift, but they failed to use welded frames for the additional strength it needs.
If you can imagine the forces acting against the frames in a storm when you have thousands of pounds suspended in the air with only simple bolts to hold them together. The higher the boat is, the greater the leverage on the frames.
Their leg wall thickness is not heavy enough to handle the forces acting against it. Green Bay produces more than 4′ high waves, and the waves frequently strike against the bottom of a boat, adding to the leverage problems.
Elevator Boat Lift Style
Elevator Lift
Used with permanent pier installations, Elevator Lifts are a great combination. They raise the boat from the side, making access to the lift very easy.
Narrow channels and areas experiencing large fluctuations in water depth or hurricanes require elevator lifts.
Hydraulic Boat Lifts Style
Hydraulic Boat Lift
A hydraulic lift generally lifts the highest – up to 6′ high in some cases. This height, along with the wide stance of the base, gives excellent protection for your boat. The hydraulic lift handles high waves and water surges during storms also.
These D.C. operated units are:
- Quiet:
- Smooth operating;
- Solar-powered;
- Wireless remote-controlled (There are no wheels to contend with.)
Vertical PWC Boat Lift
Vertical PWC Lift
Jet Ski lifts come in 3 styles: Vertical, Cantilever, and Floating.
The vertical PWC lifts allow you to get into shallow water and raise your boat higher than the cantilever type. They operate in the same fashion as a standard vertical boat lift and provide more protection for your PWC.
The PWC cantilever lift works fine on small lakes and rivers that do not fluctuate in depth or have high waves.
SHOREPORT
ShorePort PWC Boat Lift Style
The floating lifts (ShorePort) are excellent on rivers that fluctuate a lot in depth or inland lakes. These are very simple to use and require very little water to operate. The floating lift has no maintenance and you simply drive up onto the floating unit. No wheel cranking involved.
Wave action above 12” is not recommended for this type of “lift”. Combine a floating dock with the PWC floating lift and you have the perfect combination for a lake or river that fluctuates during the season but does not have large wave action.
Caution – when using any PWC lift – If you have a sand or small rock bottom near the shore use caution when approaching the lift. Sand and small stones can be sucked into the intake and destroy your motor.
For more information see also: www.wisconsinpws.com/boat-lift-size-correct-one/ and https://wisconsinpws.com/boat-lift-selection/
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?
Please use face masks
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The virus continues to 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.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s 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 phones. 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!
Dec 1, 2020
How to Flush a PWC engine.
PWC Adventures
After a day of use, all personal watercraft (PWC) should be flushed, especially if used in silty or sandy areas. Flushing debris from the engine cooling system and exhaust will help prevent internal corrosion and keep those critical cooling passages running clear. Your PWC will be ready for operation when you are.
You want to continue to enjoy your PWC for years to come – Right?
Here’s how to flush a PWC engine.
Follow these 12 steps for flushing and cleaning a PWC.
This information is limited to an overview only. Remember, always find and follow the instructions for your model before flushing for the first time.
SeaDoo PWC Drain locations
- Locate the flush port(s). You will generally find flush ports on the transom or under the seat. It depends on your model.
- Attach the garden hose to the flush-fitting, but do not start the flow of water. That’s very important!
- Follow your owner’s manual. It may instruct you to idle for 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
- Idle the engine but do not rev the engine. Start the flow of water. Starting the water flow before starting the engine could result in water flowing into the engine through the exhaust system.
- After flushing, turn the water off and disconnect the hose. Now shut down the engine.
- Replace the plug.
Caution
Once done flushing, remember to turn the water off first. Some brands may instruct you to spike the throttle a few times before shutting down the engine to clear water from the exhaust.
Follow Your PWC Owner’s Manual.
These are general instructions. For flushing instructions specific to your model, consult the owner’s manual maintenance section. Can’t find the manual? Check the manufacturer’s website or visit the dealer.
On models with a closed cooling system (most late-model Sea-Doo PWCs), flush only the exhaust.
For other brands and models, flush the exhaust and the engine cooling passages. See the manual for details.
Follow the flushing instructions for your particular brand.
Failure to follow instructions may allow water to get into the engine, leading to corrosion and repairs.
You can flush the PWC while it is on a trailer or a lift, but it must be out of the water.
Want to clean the PWC further?
Find the flush port. Most brands have a flush port on the back of the hull. An alternative is under the seat or in the engine compartment. Check your owner’s manual for the proper location. Some flush ports accept the male end of a garden hose. Others use a snap-in adaptor that screws onto the garden hose. The adaptor would have been supplied with the PWC when it was new. If you don’t have any required adaptors for your model, you can get one from a dealer.
Now it’s time to clean the engine bay.
1. Remove the seat sections and any covers under it to see the engine.
2. Make sure the engine has cooled. Never rinse a hot engine.
3. Raise the bow of the PWC. Remove the drain plug from the hull so that rinse water can exit.
4. Using your water hose, rinse the cooled engine area and the bilge. It’s OK to use your thumb to make a spray of water. Don’t use a nozzle that puts out a lot of pressure. NEVER USE A PRESSURE WASHER. Too much water pressure can force water past the seals on electrical connectors.
5. Use an old towel or rags to wipe off all excess water from areas you can reach.
6. Spray down the engine components with a water-displacing lubricant (PWC dealers offer these or simply use WD-40). The oil will displace water left behind and leave a thin, anti-corrosive film.
How to store a PWC.
Store the PWC with the seat off to let the engine compartment dry completely. You can leave the bow up to facilitate draining. Remember to replace the drain plug before using the unit again. Leave yourself a reminder, like a cloth tied to the handlebar.
Conclusion
PWS has the answers for many of your dock, lift, and boating questions
Call Jerry at Pier & Waterfront Solutions (920-493-4404) for more information.
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 guard 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
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
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 by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer. Let’s get back to normal quickly.
What can YOU do to help us?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and phone. 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!
