Vertical Jet Ski Lifts and Dock Platforms were discussed in Part 1 and 2 of this series. In this final segment, we examine permanent pier mounted lifts and track systems.
You will see both types of PWC Lifts used in select locations and situations In Door County,
Three of these pier mounted lifts operate in a similar manner with slight variations. These units go by names like Swinger, Tide Tamer, and Davitmaster.
Each pier mounted lift model requires a rigid, mounting on a solid, permanent pier. Steel pipes may be embedded in rock, or to concrete-capped bases, to secure the piers.
The cantilevered PWC weight generates leverage and thus requires a large mass to mount the lift. Without this type of massive base, the dock will suffer structural damage.
DavitMaster Pier Mounted Lift
Tide Tamer Pier Mounted Lift
These pier mounted lifts have two advantages. First, the PWC usually rotates over the dock itself for storage, repairs or covering. Secondly, the lifting height will be limited by the workable drum diameter of the winch.
What are track systems?
The final type of Jet Ski system is the track system similar to the Roll-n-Go shown here.
Roll n go track system
A series of covered rollers and a winch are used to pull the PWC to the shoreline. A cart may be used on the track when the weight of the unit exceeds 2000#.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions Located?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s just 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is always ready year-round to address your needs.
Give us a call If you have a dock or boat lift topic you would like to see addressed.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
In part 1 of this 3 part series, we discuss Vertical PWC lifts. In part 2 we discuss the ShorePort Dock Platforms. Finally, in Part 3 we discuss a third option specifically for permanent piers.
Each type of PWC lift or Dock Platform has a distinct use depending on the body of water its used on. The ShorePort Dock Platform is the simplest, maintenance free option for rivers and lakes. It is ideal for bodies of water with minimal wave action.
What about a dock for use on the rivers or inland lakes?
Rivers and lakes are ideal locations for using the ShorePort PWC docks. What could be easier than driving directly onto the floating dock? You can stay dry when you step onto the floating platform.
The biggest Advantages include –
no wheels to turn – just drive right up onto the dock. So easy – Even the kids can do it!
ShoreMaster ShorePort PWC Dock
1. 1,150# capacity (easily handling the new 3 seat PWC’s);
2. Easy on and off;
3. A walking platform included for easy access; and
4. No winches or motors required.
Watch this youtube video for more information
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions Located?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St Hwy 57. That’s just 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is always ready year-round to address your needs.
Give us a call If you have a dock or boat lift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,
Jet Ski Lifts, in several different styles, are suitable for use in the waters of Door County. Each one has distinct applications depending on the body of water you use it on.
In this first of a 3 part series, we will discuss Vertical Jet Ski lifts. Part 2 will discuss the Jet Ski Docks and finally, Part 3 will discuss the permanent pier style Jet Ski Lifts.
Vertical Lift in Action
ShoreMaster Vertical PWC Lift
The most popular Jet Ski lift on the Bay of Green Bay –
ShoreMaster’sVertical PWC Lift
ShoreMaster’s Vertical Jet Ski lifts feature:
1200# lifting capacity (capable of handling the new 3 seaters);
50″ lifting height;
Welded side frames with braces (not bolted);
Stainless steel lift cables; (not galvanized)
Brass and Stainless Steel pulleys (not plastic); and
All aluminum construction
It requires only 6″ of water plus the draft of your PWC to operate. The standard lift comes equipped with a hand crank winch.
What options are available for the Vertical Jet Ski Lifts?
A solar-powered lift motor is available for complete ease of operation. A simple touch of the button will raise or lower your equipment without effort.
An extended winch post can be added to raise the winch up to your dock height. The extension means you don’t have to bend down below the dock to crank the winch.
Stainless steel PWC Loading platforms to make it easy to access your PWC and super easy to clean or service your unit.
A choice of carpeted bunks, or better yet, the maintenance free vinyl clad bunks. You’ll never have torn carpeting again.
Vinyl Boat Bunks
Jet Ski Lift Platforms
24 V Solar Panel arrangement
It’s the best vertical lift available. Used up & down the Bay of Green Bay – it’s the standard for PWC lifts.
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St Hwy 57. That’s just 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is always ready to serve your needs.
Give us a call If you have a dock or boat lift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,
An ice pressure ridge results from a change in temperature which causes the ice to crack.
Ice Pressure Ridge – Door County
This forms a floating sheet of ice. When an area of open water is present the sheet of ice is able to move freely.
Think of an ice cube when you first put it into a glass of water. When exposed to the warmer water the ice cracks at the weakest part.
Where Does the Pressure Ridge Start?
A pressure ridge usually starts a few hundred feet off the shoreline in what would be 2-3′ of water in the summer. Up to this point, the ice is anchored to the bottom of the lake. The ice near the shore remains very stable and does not move from the shoreline.
Water begins at this point under the ice. The water gets deeper as you go out. Much like an ice cube, the ice will “crack” when exposed to pressure from winds or warmer temperatures.
If you have ever been on or near the ice in winter, you have heard the ice “crack”. The wind is generally blowing at these times or the ice may have been exposed to warmer temperatures. The ice builds up pressure at the open-water mark. The ice separates and “cracks”. This sound can travel for miles.
The pressure ridge may form anywhere there is thin or weak ice.
Ice crack before forming an ice pressure ridge – Door County
How does the Ice Pressure Ridge form?
With the ice near the shore securely anchored to the shoreline and the bottom, the floating ice on the outer side of the crack moves away from or along the shore with the wind. If the direction of the winds changes it moves
With the ice at the shore anchored to the shoreline, the floating ice on the outer side of the crack moves away from or along the shore with the wind. When the direction of the winds changes it moves back to the joint or along the joint again.
When the floating ice hits the stationary ice on the shore, pressure builds up and crushes the edges into pieces called “rubble”.
Some of the “rubble” sinks to the bottom due to weak ice under the top layer. This rubble forms the “keel” of an ice pressure ridge. The loose “rubble” continues to accumulate under the main shelf of ice until it hits the lake bottom.
When the “rubble” hits the bottom there’s no place for the “rubble” to go – except vertically. Now the accumulating rubble forms the “sail” on the upper part of the pressure ridge. The “sail” can be anywhere from inches high to 50 feet high depending on the winds and the strength or weakness of the ice.
Ice Pressure Ridge
When the “rubble” hits the bottom there’s no place for additional “rubble” to go – except vertically. Now the accumulating rubble forms the “sail” portion or upper part of the ice pressure ridge. The “sail” can be anywhere from inches high to 40 feet high depending on the winds and the strength or weakness of the ice.
How fast does the Pressure Ridge form?
A pressure ridge usually forms rapidly when the winds are blowing strong and steady. You need to be especially careful when approaching the pressure ridge because you don’t know how much solid ice remains.
Since the “rubble” below has been exposed to non-freezing temperatures, it starts to melt away. This results in a weak and fluctuating joint at the surface. The area around the ice ridge can be very dangerous.
Warning – Thin Ice
Are there other signs of weak ice?
Slow melting ice will result in dark areas which means the water on top and below the ice is melting the ice away. Never go on this type of ice as it is very weak. Be careful around pressure ridges, they indicate the presence of weak ice.
Ever wondered what causes ice shoves?
See our next article on January 30th for an explanation.
Reminder
Pier & Waterfront Solutions specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and accessories both residential and commercial. We service the rest.
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. Located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to assisting you.
Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you? Feel free to give us a call.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
With that in mind, you can provide entertainment and a lot of excitement for the kids this summer with a slide that empties into the water!They will really enjoy the fun all summer long. Who doesn’t enjoy a slide?
FreeStanding slide
This freestanding model has adjustable legs so you can set the height above the water. In addition, the handrails provide extra security and stability for the kids. Imagine the fun they will have!
They’ll line up to be the first one to go down! Your problem will be how to get them out of the water!
The aluminum frame and brightly colored slide (Yellow or Tan) is maintenance free and a joy to use.
What other options are there?
Dock Mounted Slide
There is more than one option available. The slide can be mounted on a dock or raft for even more fun and excitement. Talk to PWS about the slides and/or the dock or raft to mount it on.
.
NOTE – PWS wants a safe environment for your family. Make sure there is enough water depth to protect the family when exiting the slide. Clear all boulders and hard surfaces from the area to prevent injury. Make sure the unit is stable before anyone uses it. This applies to dock mounted or Freestanding models.
Kids should be supervised at all times.
Remember
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in all ShoreMaster accessories for docks and lifts. Located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
Found this article helpful? Go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues. Check out our “older entries” also..
The wide variety of articles on dock and boat lifts issues will answer many of your questions. PWS believes that an informed consumer makes better decisions.
