Jun 25, 2019
Kayaks are great exercise
Kayaks & Canoes
Kayaks & canoes are a healthy way to see more of the Door County Penninsula. Both outdoor activities provide a quiet way to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Take it from one who has tried kayaking – it is a peaceful way to spend your day. You won’t want to return to shore.
Besides paddleboarding, these two activities bring the splendor of the Door County peninsula right to you. Remember the early morning and evening panoramic views we all love so much about Door County? These are a great way to watch those sunsets and or sunrises.
Canoeing with man’s best friend
What do you do when you return to your dock?
Kayak & canoe rack
What could be easier than walking to your dock and having the canoe or kayak waiting for you? By using the Canoe/Kayak racks from ShoreMaster, your equipment will be ready to go when you are.
With these easily mounted “racks” available at Pier & Waterfront Solutions, you could save a twisted ankle or sprained knee. Keep your equipment right at the dock. There is no need to walk across the rocks and risk a twisted ankle while carrying your kayak up to the house or garage.
Do you have a friend that might be interested in this post? Please forward it to them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Or – you can call Jerry @ 920-493-4404 for more information.
Jun 11, 2019
PADDLEBOARD
Paddleboards at sunset.
A paddleboard is becoming a favorite activity in Door County. As a great stress reliever, It also helps develop upper body strength, balance, and agility. It is a complete body workout. What people really enjoy is the peace and tranquility of the Door County Peninsula.
Just imagine the sunrises and beautiful sunsets you can enjoy on the bay of Green Bay.
What Happens When You Return to the dock?
When you return to your dock, is it cumbersome to carry your paddleboard to your house or garage each time? Don’t like taking it over the rocks on the shoreline? Don’t want to risk falling or twisting your ankle?
Do you want a way to store your paddleboard conveniently? Wouldn’t it be better to store it right at your dock securely?
PaddleBoard Rack
Why not consider a paddleboard rack from Pier & Waterfront Solutions. The rack mounts directly to your ShoreMaster dock with ease. (The mountings adapt to other brands also.)
It’s simple to use. Place your paddleboard in the slots, and you are ready to go. Secure it and forget it. What could be simpler? The storage rack fits all paddleboards and is an attractive addition to your dock. What could be simpler?
Your board will be ready to go in an instant.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has this paddleboard rack on display. Stop in to see it today.
Call Jerry @ 920-493-4404 for more details or to place an order. Enjoy all that the Door County peninsula has to offer.
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
For an excellent startup article about Paddleboarding please check this out https://www.gilisports.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-stand-up-paddle-boarding
Another Related article –https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/paddleboarding.html
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
May 7, 2019
STORM DAMAGE
Storm damage on May 1 has caused dock owners to ask – Will my dock and lift be installed by Memorial Day? The second question is – Why do you set the dock so high? The answer to the first question is – It’s still too early to tell.
In an average season, installations will begin about April 1. Last year, there were several minor snow days in April. Three weeks into the season we experienced a late-season snowstorm of 23.2”. Obviously, this slowed us down even more. Once the snow stopped, it took a few days for it to melt and the properties to dry out enough that we could access them again.
2019 Installs
The 2019 install season started as usual. Since then everyone has been hampered by
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- High winds (mostly from the N and NE);
- Frequent rain has resulted in wet lawns and fields which mean – inaccessible properties; and
- High water levels again this year. (Yes, the water levels are even higher than in 2018.)
Also, keep in mind that in April, the water temperatures are barely above freezing and wet suits and waders provide little, if any, protection.
Storm Damage caused by floating logs
Let’s address each issue
Here’s an example of the storm damage that occurred on the morning of May 1, this year.
Around sunset on the evening of April 30th, the winds switched from the E to the NE. The winds kept building until 2 am. That’s when there was a sharp increase in wind gusts approaching 40 mph from the NE. These strong gusts lasted until 5 am and then tapered off, but only slightly. Combine this with steady winds – 20-30 MPH (all from the NE), and you have a recipe for storm damage. The result was a storm “surge” approaching 3 feet in water depth – with strong wave action on top of that.
The rising waters peaked about 10 am. This “surge,” combined with the wind gusts, resulted in damage to the docks that had already been installed. Some docks were completely submerged despite being set high above the current water depth. The result was we had to go back to assist those people with damage.
Storm Damage – May 2019
Here is the information provided by the National Weather Service.
National Weather Service data for May 1
WIND (MPH)
HIGHEST WIND SPEED 30 HIGHEST WIND DIRECTION NE (40)
HIGHEST GUST SPEED 39 HIGHEST GUST DIRECTION NE (40)
AVERAGE WIND SPEED 14.5
WHAT CAUSES A STORM SURGE?
For a better explanation of why the water levels rise so high in Door County – see our previous post entitled – What is a water surge?
It’s also a good idea to refer to another post entitled – Boat Lift insurance which was published the morning before the storm. See the section on “wave damage.” By the way, we DO NOT have a direct line set up with Nature to anticipate these occurrences.
We are currently receiving actual photos to publish in this same article. Check back in a few days. Feel free to send any photos you may have. We may use them as well. Send them to mike@wisconsinpws.com.
STANDING WATER
Heavy snow this winter and frequent rains throughout Spring means most lawns and access areas have standing water. We can not move our equipment over it until it drys or we risk heavy damage to your yard.
FAQ – WHY MUST MY DOCK BE SET SO HIGH?
The water levels have been rising for a couple of years. This forces us to extend the legs to accommodate the higher water. By doing that we help protect you from storm damage.
As mentioned in a previous post you may receive a call from John, our service manager, seeking your permission to add longer legs to accommodate the increased water depths. The only alternative is not to install all the sections of the dock – usually one less section. Putting in one less section may be a temporary “fix” to help this year, but it is not a guarantee.
John NEVER calls unless it is necessary because we know it costs more to add new legs and it slows our install schedule down. The biggest cost is the labor to remove and replace the existing legs.
If you have augers on the legs, your dock must be placed on its side to remove and replace the legs. Last year some legs were already very short due to the higher lake levels. With even more depth this year we anticipated this leg replacement to be more frequent. All of our trucks go out with extra material each morning in anticipation of needing to replace dock legs.
If you get a call from John that usually means the crews are at your site and need your response. Without it they must move on to another location. Please return John’s call ASAP to keep things moving.
Check back here each week for any updates on the installs. We’ll share as much information as we can.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection.
Apr 30, 2019
INSURANCE FOR YOUR BOAT LIFT
Insurance Forms
With insurance, you expect EVERYTHING you own to be covered for damages. Even your dock and boat lift. But is that the case?
Here in Wisconsin, if you own a dock or boat lift, you have made a sizable investment. Of course, you want to make sure that they are insured. We urge you to make sure that all of your water equipment is protected. Insurance can be complicated, so you do need to talk to your agent. Make sure they research all scenarios.
Let’s discuss the various situations you may encounter.
Boat Insurance
Boat insurance is no different than auto insurance. But what exactly does the boat insurance cover? Boat lifts are not generally covered under a dock or boat policy. Boat insurance only covers the vessel itself. Think about it – your garage is not covered under your auto policy. Why would your boat, dock or lift be any different? Typically you have to have a rider to ensure your dock or lift.
Homeowners Insurance
Most homeowners believe that their dock and boat lift are part of their property. They think their homeowners’ insurance should cover them. Unfortunately, that’s usually not the case. Your dock may or may not be covered by your homeowners’ insurance.. Be sure to ask about it. Is your agent aware of it’s value?.
Liability insurance
It’s vital that you have not only physical damage but also liability insurance for your dock. Docks can be dangerous, and you’ll want to make sure you’re covered if someone were to get hurt on your dock. As for the physical damage coverage, make sure you understand what circumstances are covered, wind, fire, and snow all need to be considered.
Some Questions to ask your Insurance agent
Do you need:
Storage Insurance – Just like renters insurance you should consider storage insurance when your boat is not in use. Storage insurance can provide another layer of protection. The good news is there is less risk of liability while your boat is in storage. The insured premiums usually are reduced during that period.
Comprehensive coverage – This usually covers theft, accidental loss, or damage.
Replacement Costs – If you want to replace your boat after an accident, you will need to have coverage that is close to the current market value of your boat. You can adjust it to account for depreciation at each renewal.
Trailer Coverage – If you have a boat, you probably have a trailer to transport it around. Do you have coverage for your trailer and it’s cargo while being moved?
Accessory Equipment – Does your insurance cover your navigational equipment, lighting, and stereo systems and the other “toys” you added to the boat over time.
Mileage Restrictions – Does your policy restrict your mileage from where your boat is stored and used? Which insurance covers the boat while being transported to and from the storage unit?
Salvage insurance – What policy pays if your boat sinks after an accident or if you forget to replace the drain plug?
DOES YOUR INSURANCE POLICY COVER:
Geographic Limitations – Your insurance policy may have specific physical or bodies of water limitations. Going to take your boat around the country? You may need a plan that will cover it under those circumstances.
Good news: Your dock or boat lift, while stored on your residence premises (not necessarily in the water) would be covered by a standard Homeowners policy. It should be handled under a structure or as personal property. It will, however, be subject to the policy deductible. However, there may be other considerations.
WAVE DAMAGE – Damage to your lift or dock is NOT going to be covered if it is the result of waves. Even if the water is driven by the wind, it probably won’t be included. If wind-driven waves knock your dock or boat lift over, you will be responsible for damages. An exception might be if the waves caused a log, another dock or a boat to strike your equipment. The problem is, you have to prove it. If you see this situation happening your best option is to take photos. Better yet, a video of it happening might increase your chances of being covered. If the wind directly causes damage to the dock or lift, that loss should be covered by your insurance. Example, a dock accessory has blown off the dock by the wind, is probably covered under your policy.
WHAT ABOUT:
Ice Damage
ICE DAMAGE – Your dock or lift is not covered by damage caused by ice. If you leave your dock in the water over the winter and moving ice destroys it during the spring thaw, your Homeowners carrier is likely to deny that claim. Or if you leave your boat lift in the water and the pressure from freezing or thawing of the ice around it causes damage, again, this is most likely not covered. What if our dock is stored on your beachfront or lawn. If an ice shove occurs will it be covered? If your equipment is stored on your neighbors property and the ice gets to it, is it covered? Remember, it isn’t on your Resident Premises. See below for more information.
Beyond these circumstances, there are other circumstances where coverage could hinge on whether your dock or lift is considered a structure or personal property. This can matter because policy coverage provisions for structures and personal property are entirely different.
HOW IS YOUR DOCK DEFINED?
PERMANENT DOCK – If your dock or lift is permanently set in place and attached to its location, it is almost certainly a structure. But is it covered under your policy? The answer to this question may depend on which insurance company you ask. (This means you probably need to ask.)
PORTABLE DOCK – Most Wisconsin property owners remove their docks and lifts for the winter to protect them from ice damage. In that case, Is a movable structure still a structure? If your portable dock or boat lift is not considered a structure, then it should be regarded as personal property and typically covered against loss caused by one of the perils named in the policy. It includes fire, vandalism, and falling objects, among other damages. The other good news is that, as personal property, your dock or lift is covered anywhere in the world, even if it isn’t located where you live. Maybe.
What is the deductible?
However, the big question is – Is your dock or boat lift covered while in the water? You need to ask your agent.
DEFINE STRUCTURES
Things can get a bit more complicated if your dock or lift is considered a structure. First of all, most Homeowners policies only cover structures located on your “residence premises.” So if you own a dock or lift situated in a resort or on a vacant lake lot and it’s considered a structure, then you are going to need to add individual coverage for it. Many insurance companies offer an option to add coverage for structures located elsewhere.
Another problem – it may not be clear whether your dock or lift is on the “residence premises” or not. Perhaps you have a boat lift set up at a resort which you insure as a seasonal residence. If your policy includes coverage for Other Structures, will it cover your boat lift located elsewhere in the resort? Or what if you have a dock where you live, but your legal boundary stops just short of where it sits?
WHAT ARE “RESIDENT PREMISES”?
Standard homeowners policies define your “residenTpremises” as “including the structures and grounds at the location of your insured home.” .In the case of a dock at the edge of your land but just beyond your property’s legal boundaries, would it be considered at the same location as your home and therefore covered? In the case of the boat lift located across the resort from the lot you occupy, there may still be an argument to be made in favor of coverage. However, coverage seems less certain. Be careful, as some non-standard policies might define “residence premises” even more narrowly.
Insurance gets complicated, so my recommendation is to talk frankly to your agent. Talk about your winter and summer situation. Get a clear definition (preferably an opinion in writing, if it is not written in your policy. The definition is critical and may vary by the insurance company.
The information contained here includes a lot of “should be”‘s, “if’s,” “but”s, and “however”s. We are not insurance agents and opinions expressed here are just that – opinions. Now it’s up to you to get the conversations started with your agent.
PWS does Free quotes for insurance damages.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Apr 16, 2019
Spider Web
SPIDERS, BEES AND YOUR LIFT CANOPY
When you bought your boat lift and canopy, you probably thought “This is all mine, and mine alone.” Little did you know that within a short time you will be sharing it with unwelcome visitors. Your visitors include hornets, spiders, wasps, and spider webs to name a few. They tend to be annoying and creepy in some cases. They also are persistent once they take up residence on your boat lift (the most common location).
HOW DO YOU GET RID OF SPIDERS?
Maybe the better question is – Do I want to get rid of them? Gulls and geese are disease carriers, and you have to be careful with them.
Spiders can produce a painful bite. Spiders have a ferocious appetite and they eat mosquitos and bay flies. No one will complain about that. They also are a source of food for birds. Nature has a way of balancing things (but not fast enough when it comes to bay flies and mosquitoes.) No one will complain about that. They also are a source of food for birds. Nature has a way of balancing things (but not fast enough when it comes to bay flies and mosquitoes.)
Peppermint oil to get rid of spiders
SEVERAL WAYS TO GET RID OF SPIDERS
There are many articles on the internet, and universal themes involve the use of peppermint or cinnamon sprays. These would be non-lethal, non-poisonous methods of driving them away. Consider using it on your boat also (under the cover). These may make your boat smell better too. Always test on an inconspicuous area to prevent staining.
There are other ways like the use of Orto Home Defense which is useful. Be careful where you use it so that pets and children do not come in contact with it. It is beneficial on painted or aluminum siding and around windows too.
Remember, the DNR is very strict about spraying ANY chemicals over water. Try to trap the excess spray with a large piece of cardboard, so it does not fall into the water. Do not breathe in the fumes. Follow label directions.
SPIDER WEBS
Get rid of spider webs whenever possible. Make it difficult for them. If you see small black “dots” clean them with a detergent to prevent those eggs from hatching and multiplying your problem.
HORNETS
Homemade hornet trap
Hornets are not only annoying but like bees and wasps, they can produce severe reactions to your body if you are allergic to their sting. Besides, unlike the seagulls and geese mentioned in our previous article – The spider and hornets are pests, but they serve a useful purpose too. Hornets, bees, wasps help pollinate crops and flowers. Just stay away from them.
If you ever left an open soda or anything sweet outside you know that hornets love it. You can use this love to trap and dispose of them by mixing Mountain Dew and Dawn detergent in a dish. Keep it out of children and pets reach. There are commercial traps that work on the same principle.
If you choose to use the “Wasp and hornet killer” sprays, remember they are very effective if used correctly. Used in boat houses and under eaves you need to remember three things:
- Always use the sprays in the evening when they are not as active.
- The “cheap” sprays usually can’t make it to the advertised 20-foot mark. As a result, it just takes one hornet who did not come in contact with the spray to ruin your day. You may set a new world record for running. Be prepared.
- Try to spray downwind, if possible.
WASPS
There are numerous powders available for ground wasps. Wasps are VERY aggressive so treat them with respect and have your running shoes on. They will swarm from their nests en masse to attack you. Again, we recommend a good pair of running shoes.
For more information read this article for wasp and hornets. If spiders are your problem, read this article.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our website. This year you will see issues like “Seagull deterrents – Updated, “Boat Lift Insurance,” and other issues important to our clients.
WHERE IS PIER AND WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
