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.
Jan 29, 2019
WHICH DOCK CONFIGURATION SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The dock configuration is the next thing to consider when figuring your total dock cost. Your decision should be made after reading part one of this series (What does a Dock cost?). After reading that, you probably have an idea of the frame style you would like to use.
Next, you should read part 2 – What type of decking is available? Select the decking that caught your eye. Part three discusses the dock configurations you may want to use. We also include some of the accessories you’ll want to consider.
Let’s start the process
So you’ve measured water depths, surveyed the neighbor’s dock, and determined how far out you need to go. Maybe not! Don’t want to walk in the cold springtime water? Remember, we confirm the water depth for you as part of our site surveys.
At this point, you may be looking at a straight dock – (boring)!
What you add from here on transforms your dock from a strictly functional piece of equipment to a relaxing area, and so much more. The configuration you choose in the end should reflect the way you want to use the dock.
Everyone has different ways to use their dock. Some people want to be able to fish off the end of the pier. Maybe even have a bench or seating available. Others want access to their boat. Still, others will use their dock as a primary entertaining and relaxing area. These are all great reasons.
ShoreMaster docks are versatile so you can change your dock layout from season-to-season. Remember, the Infinity dock system allows you to do this easily. See also-https://wisconsinpws.com/infinity-track-system/
We have included configurations as well as actual photos of our docks in the photo array below. Get started on the layout that fits your needs. Then give Pier & Waterfront Solutions a call.
Common Dock Configurations
More Configurations
RS4 dock with Dock Steps
ShoreMaster Dock Configuration
Dock Configurations 2
Dock Configuration 3
Dock Configuration 4
OR
Design your dock configuration on the ShoreMaster Website
ShoreMaster has a simple dock-builder available online. Its very simple to use. (drag and drop) It handles MOST configurations. Are you having difficulty? We can do it for you. In most cases, we give you a rendition (sometimes hand-drawn), so you can be sure the layout is what you envisioned.
What will I be able to do on a dock?
Fishing – Consider an extra-wide dock section at the end to give you more room to cast and lay out your fishing equipment. Install a bench for more comfort.
Docks are an excellent place for kids to learn from Grandpa. They can relax on the dock and exchange fishing stories and learn a little bit about life.
Try to extend the dock far enough into the water, so you’re next to a weed bed. A dock helps lure fish. Fish like to congregate and seek out cover and protection.
Sports – How about Kayak or paddleboard racks? Why keep carrying your equipment up to the house? Keep it handy and ready for use.
Entertaining – If you regularly party on your dock, you’ll want a dock that is wide enough to accommodate your guests. It must offer plenty of space for moving around. For extra space around a serving table or a bench, consider an additional 4-foot wide dock section. We can add it on to the standard 4-foot wide sections. Consider an inside corner section. It’s great for adding space – and peace of mind. A 90-degree corner can seem precarious.
For more pizazz, ShoreMaster offers a curved design on their truss and rail dock systems. Consider adding a curve to your dock. Go around obstacles like trees and rocks and make a unique dock at the same time. It definitely won’t look like your neighbors.
A rounded dock near the end, at the shoreline or even at the midpoint adds a unique design that only you have. The style is distinctly yours.
Patios
Ninety- five percent of the time the dock layout will include a “patio” area. The patio area requires a section of dock placed parallel or perpendicular to the main dock. Adding one patio dock essentially creates an 8 ft x 8 ft activity area over the water.
What if you add another patio area to the side to make a 12 ft wide x 8 ft long area? This additional “patio” section could be placed alongside the first section OR on the opposite side of the dock. The layout also helps protect your dock in a storm by making it broader and more stable. However, the REAL advantage of these layouts is that you have more working or entertaining area available.
Put a bench or patio set on the patio area to stay dry. Use it to get away from people entering or exiting the water – if they let you.
By the way, who said the patio section of a dock has to be at the far end of the pier? Would it be more functional at the midpoint or even at the shore end?
Watercraft Access:
- Do you launch a boat or jet skis? These functions may need different layouts depending on the depth of water and the draft of your boat or jet ski. They reflect what the owner needs for launching and storing the watercraft.
- A typical layout would likely be the finger dock. The finger dock consists of lengths of pier placed perpendicular to the side of the main dock. The arrangement creates a place for your jet skis or boat.
- The use of a “T,” or “Y” shape can add a distinctive look to your dock. After all, your pier is the focal point of your shoreline. Every visitor will want to go out on your dock.
What accessories will you need for your dock configuration?
- Seating– In the form of furniture sets, chairs or benches.
- Utilities– Water and electricity run under the dock frame.
- Lighting– A.C. power is available, but the preferred method is solar powered lighting. They are typically placed in recessed “dots” in the decking.
- Ladders– On the bay of Green Bay most docks are set high out of the water to protect them from waves. A pivoting ladder will get you out of, or into, the water safely.
- Railing- A railing makes it safe for people having difficulty getting around or those who are unsteady on their feet to access your dock.
- Storage boxes– Skiers, kayakers and paddleboard enthusiasts may want to invest in a dock box to store their equipment. (life jackets, paddles, and beach towels). The storage boxes come in many shapes and sizes – (square, rectangular and triangular to name a few).
To summarize this series – What does a dock cost? It depends!
Missed a part of this series?
Publication dates:
Part 1 – What does a Dock cost?
2 – What type of decking is available?
3 – Which dock configuration should I choose?
Need Help Planning a Dock Configuration For Your Home or Cottage?
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with 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.
Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
