Mar 23, 2021
A NEW Barge Announcement at PWS
Before we get into the new barge discussion, it seems like a long winter despite it being a mild winter. The virus only added to the winter confinement & misery.
The early disappearance of the ice on Green Bay has lifted our spirits. Everyone has hopes for the approaching Spring.
Yet, nature has a way of thwarting or at least delaying those plans. There is snow again in the forecast for this week. Snow is nature’s way of saying she is still in control and not yet willing to give it up.
Phone Install Requests
For the last few weeks, we had requests for projected install dates. Please be patient. We know from many years of experience that there are snowstorms in our future. Remember, the ice is still on the shorelines. The lack of snow gives the impression the season could start as soon as this week.
In reality, the expected start date is “around” April 1. About two years ago, the season got underway early. After a week of installs, a huge snowstorm put a complete stop to the work for two more weeks. It was a struggle to get all the work done.
What have we done to keep up with installs?
All-Terrain Forklift
What have we done to keep up with the installs? We have added two more ATF’s (All-Terrain Forklift) to our fleet of equipment. The latest addition brings our total to FIVE ATF’s.
Latest Barge addition at PWS
Today, we are announcing the latest addition to Pier & Waterfront Solutions equipment list.
As many of you know, PWS has a large 24′ x 45′ barge used for rip-rap installations. The barge and excavators are also used for dock and lift installs in areas where our ATF’s cannot go. When the need arises, we use the barge and one of our excavators to install docks and lifts. These are challenging areas to access and operate any equipment.
If you’ve driven past our location in the past month or so, you may have seen this.
Barge
The new barge addition will allow us to expand our existing barge size by another 12′ x 45′. When joined with the existing barge, the new barge will be 36′ x 45′. (1,620 sq. ft. – That’s the size of a small house). That gives us increased load capacity to transport more equipment and materials. It will save time and allow us to be more efficient in the future.
The new barge can separated from the original barge for independent use at a later date if needed.
PWS have two experienced barge operators to move this equipment between locations.
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.
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
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 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.
Mar 16, 2021
Is a Floating Dock in your future?
Not all floating dock systems are created equal. Some are better than others.
For many waterfronts, a floating dock system is a perfect fit. ShoreMaster PolyDock systems float on the water and remain stable in waves up to two feet.
PolyDock floating dock
How Does it Work?
A floating dock is usually a platform supported on air-tight, buoyant floats. In the case of a PolyDock, the platform is part of the float system. The platform serves two purposes in this case. It is available in 4′ and 6′ widths for more stability.
A gangway connects the floating dock system to the shoreline. The docks are easy for seasonal boat owners to install and remove.
Floating docks are anchored into the water at the shore end and, depending on the dock’s length, at the water end.
Benefits of a Floating Dock
Floating docks are popular for inland lake shorelines. It’s easy to see why. It’s simple to install, add to, and remove modules, allowing the dock’s design to change.
Does a floating dock have to be removed in the winter?
Standard practice dictates you remove the dock in the winter. On small bodies of water, they can be allowed to freeze in place. Freezing in place can occur when there little chance of ice movement in the winter and early spring. If there is any movement, you must remove it each year.
An alternate method allows the dock to move with the ice in a contained area. Marinas use this technique all the time.
DEEP or fluctuating water levels?
The PolyDock system works great on shorelines with deep or fluctuating water levels. There is never a concern about the depth of the water. The flotation allows your dock to adjust along with the water. An anchor holds the floating dock in place.
Are you concerned about the environment?
Are you concerned about the natural environment and the look of your dock? The PolyDock systems’ low profile is the answer.
PolyDock systems set the standard for stability, reliability, and ease of ownership.
ShoreMaster floating dock systems meet or exceed the Hunt Absorption Test. Even in the unlikely event of a puncture to the outer shell, your dock will remain buoyant.
The PolyDock system has rotationally molded outer shells. UV inhibitors infused in the body ensure durability for many seasons to come.
The unique construction gives you unlimited customization options. Install accessories anywhere around your dock perimeter.
PolyDock Floating Dock Systems by ShoreMaster
ShoreMaster is an industry leader and expert in dock life and products. This expertise helps you find the perfect plan for your shoreline.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions will help you decide whether a floating dock is right for you.
Contact PWS today. We will help you start planning your dock set-up.
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 intersection – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE 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 whenever 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. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS will provide estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us today with any questions.
Feb 2, 2021
Top Signs You Need a New Dock
Time for a new Dock? Piers and docks that are more than ten years old may show some signs of wear or damage. Without proper maintenance, your dock system may not look or perform properly. Remember, it is possible to repair minor damage at a reasonable cost.
New Dock Needed
Be sure to contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for an inspection if you have damage and you aren’t sure what repairs to make.
If your dock is getting dangerous, unsteady, replacement may be the only option.
Here are the five signs that you should think about when investing in a brand new pier.
Widespread Rust
Some metals exposed to water will rust. Small amounts of rust can be an easy fix. If possible, replace or repair an individual part before it gets out of control.
Larger rust areas could spread, which can lead to structural failure in the future. In cases like these, a completely new pier might be necessary.
Aluminum docks made of durable, rustproof metal are more resistant to rust than others. Aluminum is an option when considering upgrading or replacing a failing wood dock.
Wood Rot
Wooden docks can rot when the water has been allowed to seep in. Moss, mildew, algae, and other growth can trap moisture in a wood dock, worsening the problem. You can solve or prevent this problem by keeping your pier clean and well maintained.
If the damage involves minor areas, replace the components with new, treated lumber. But, when several locations are rotting, it’s time to replace your dock.
Consider replacing a wooden dock with different materials. Those materials include aluminum painted to look like wood. These are some of the premium ShoreMaster decking options.
Cracking or Warping Dock Supports
Certain support materials can become cracked or warped thanks to pressure from waves.
Accidents can also happen. If a boat or a large floating object hits the pier, cracks may appear on the legs or structural components. PWS can make the repairs.
But, stay safe, replace the entire structure when significant damage occurs. If the damage involves the legs or critical structural components, it may be time to replace the whole section or structure.
Tip: Prevent damage from boat collisions – install bumpers on the perimeter of your pier.
Damaged Foundation
Permanent docks sit on posts that support the pier. Assessing the damage below the waterline is difficult. Repairing it requires specialized equipment. PWS can help.
Pier foundations are subject to shifts causing severe damage. Any cracking is a sign that further investigation and possibly replacement is necessary.
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for an inspection.
Can’t Secure the legs Properly?
Permanent dock systems have supports to hold them up. Supports are driven into the ground until it hits a stable area for stability. In some cases, depths reached can be as much as 100 feet.
A floating pier might be a good option if you do not encounter large waves. The advantage of a floating dock is that it compensates for changing water levels as they occur.
In some cases, a floating dock can remain in the water throughout the winter months IF there is no ice movement. The pier may be released from its shore anchor points in small harbors, moved into deeper water, and tied off. The pier is allowed to float with any minor ice movement, but it stays secured until spring.
Custom Boat Docking Systems by PWS.
If it’s time to replace or upgrade your boat docking system, PWS can help.
PWS has helped many shoreline owners find their perfect dock and boat lift solution.
Need a repair, a completely new pier or boat lift system, or the ideal accessory? PWS‘s customer support team can help.
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for more information. We know what works best for your area.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
PWS, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST County road 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 making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever 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. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS provides estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jan 14, 2021
Thanks again, Jerry, for the good work your crew does! Have a safe and healthy winter. Talk to you as we approach spring.
Best Regards,
Joan P.
Dec 8, 2020
Does High Water require the 3-Season Pier?
High water over the dock
High water continued again in 2020 and many people looked for a stronger, more durable pier for 2021.
After 2 years of design improvements, the 3-Season Pier was introduced in 2020. It was a hit and sold out quickly.
Looking for a new pier?
In the early part of the 2020 boating season, the number of washed-out docks increased substantially. Storms raged throughout the boating season.
There are many brands of docks on the “Bay”. Every brand was represented in the list of docks & piers damaged or destroyed this year. That is, except the 3-season pier. It also withstood the Lake Michigan turbulent waters.
High water and debris
During 2020, many people saw floating debris during and after the storms. The debris moved along the shoreline. In some cases, uprooted trees and logs were responsible for taking out docks and lifts. The debris continued to move long distances before it finally settled on the shore again.
Now, we don’t represent that a 3-Season Pier will completely stop damage like that. But there is a much better chance of a 1/4 ton pier (per section) with 2″ galvanized steel legs (2-3/8″ O.D.) withstanding the force of the waves. Compare that to the 1-1/2″ leg (1-7/8″ O.D.) used on lesser, lighter docks.
Why did high water prompt a new design?
Over the years, PWS realized that having strong steel legs was not enough for the current situation. We watched helplessly as the waves lifted the dock sections. When the dock section came down, they seldom came down evenly or level.
As waves battered the bottom of the pier, it twisted the dock frames and caused the legs to bend sideways as the dock comes down.
Once the legs bent, the entire structure was subject to rolling over. There had to be a way to reduce the pressure on the docks.
We quickly realized that solid decking was our worst enemy. With solid decking bolted to the frames, the full force of the waves had to be absorbed by the dock.
After research, we found that a deck that allows the water to flow through the decking was the best possible answer. We quickly introduced the ShoreMaster Glacier™ flow-through, open decking on our aluminum piers.
Sunwalk Decking
High water requires Sunwalk Decking™
When the galvanized steel, 3-Season Pier, was introduced, it included Sunwalk™ decking. After securing the decking to the frames with stainless steel screws, the 45% open area allowed most of the energy of the water to flow through the deck harmlessly.
Combining the 1/4 ton weight per 20′ section with a 45% open decking, and you have a winning combination.
Higher Water needed Longer Ramps too!
However, we did not stop there. We also realized that the piers had to be set high to reduce the number of times the waves could hit the decking. This created a problem. The short ramps going to the pier were too steep for people to comfortably walk up.
We designed a 20′ long ramp, thus making a gentle approach to the pier. The shore end includes built-in leg pockets to raise the ramp off the beach. These added legs allow any waves that get to the end to pass harmlessly under the frames.
When should I start looking for a new pier?
Now is an excellent time to research the features of the 3-Season pier and place a preseason order. It’ll be ready when you are in Spring. Don’t forget, we can take trades, too.
The exclusive 3-Season Pier is available only at Pier & Waterfront Solutions.
Conclusion
PWS has the best solution for your 2021 dock.
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 ensure 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
Because the virus has increased its 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.
Display yard – 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 and quotes by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer. Everyone should feel safe with these measures. Let’s get back to normal operations quickly.
What can YOU do?
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!
