Joan P. Door County Peninsula
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.
Does High Water require the 3-Season Pier?
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!
PADDLERS, KAYAKS and CANOES
Paddlers, Kayaks & Canoes
Paddlers, kayaks, and canoes are experiencing a growing demand. This means an increased demand for convenient storage units. Storage must be both convenient and safe. Spend more time on the water paddling and less time moving your gear to the water.
Kayak/Canoe Rack
Store your paddleboard, kayak, canoe, wakeboard, and more – right on your dock. These storage racks solve the problem for you.
With the storage racks, you don’t have to carry your equipment down to the beach each time. Why pay for customization when they are readily available from Pier & Waterfront Solutions.
Now available for the new PWS 3-Season Pier too!
Attach a bracket on the perimeter of your dock, and the single or double mounting racks are ready to mount. Your water-sport toys are already at the lake for easy access whenever you want them.
Request a Quote today!
Space-saving
The accessories extend out over the water and off the dock. You aren’t going to sacrifice any of your valuable dock space. It’s a win-win situation – convenience and security.
Dual stand up paddleboard rack
Single and double (shown here) paddleboard rack options are available. The versatile design can accommodate nearly any water-sports equipment.
Mounting plates can go just about anywhere and takes the hassle out of customization. It allows your dock system to evolve as your needs change.
Spend more time enjoying the water and less time carrying your paddleboards around.
Dock Steps
Dock Steps
Now that you chose the accessory you want, its time to gain easy access to your dock. How about steps or a pivoting ladder?
Dock steps are a great addition to any dock system for easy lake access and use. They take up no dock space and are a safe way to access your dock from the water.
The Quick Steps feature a wider step and deeper tread. The Quick Steps are available in a 4-step or 6-step option for deeper water.
Both styles of sets are made of lightweight aluminum. The steps are maintenance-free and built to last. The steps feature handrails for safety, and have wide, ribbed treads, providing a slip-resistant surface.
Paddlers, canoeists, and kayakers will really appreciate these steps.
Request a Quote today!
Ladders
Pivot Ladder
Get in and out of the water quickly with a pivoting or stationary ladder.
A vertical pivoting action and locking pin allow you to flip the ladder up when not in use. At the same time, you ensure stability when you need it the most. The ladders attach just about anywhere along the perimeter of the dock. They take up minimal space allowing for greater access to your dock and the lake.
The aluminum ladders are available in 3, 4, and 5-step options. All-aluminum construction means they are lightweight yet durable and long-lasting. A steel version (fixed position) with 7 steps is also available.
Request a Quote today!
Summary
You can Relax and Enjoy your paddling experience with these beautiful accessories.
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 side, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions is “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. We are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
But That’s not all!
4. Some employees are working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee exhibiting symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe. We want to get back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
So, YES – WE ARE OPEN!
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
DOCK INSTALLATION UPDATE -2019
2019 DOCK INSTALLATION UPDATE
We promised an update on the dock installation season in an earlier post, and here it is. We won’t gloss it over, we have been unable to get all the docks in before Memorial Day.
Our crews have been working every possible day overtime. They are scheduled to work a full six days a week. However, six days a week is not a reality.
We have lost at least 2 to 3 days a week to heavy rains or high winds. We plan for at least ten days of rain or high winds during the install season. This year that has not been enough. As a result, even some of our office staff are called upon to install.
WHAT’S CAUSING THE DOCK INSTALLATION DELAY?
Lift & Dock installation
The major problem has been water levels we have not seen since the 1970s. Everywhere we go, we see water levels setting new records. Our equipment can handle high water up to four feet. However, this year, the high water is combined with frequent strong winds and access problems.
The usual access across lawns or in fields is frequently saturated. Our equipment is heavy, and the ground is so soft we cause extensive damage when a customer insists we drive across it. Most customers will say it’s okay to drive across the wet lawn because they don’t want any delays. Later they get distraught when they see the deep ruts in their property.
2019 is the second straight year of high water – an additional 10″ on top of the high water from last year. Heavy winter snows have combined with a very wet and cold Spring. As of this writing, the water levels are expected to rise even further until Fall.
As a result, many docks have already run out of pipe length.
WHAT’S THE END RESULT?
As we reported in our May POST, the short legs require that we replace the legs with longer ones. Replacing these legs is a time consuming and expensive process. In many cases, it has cut our installs per day by 50%. Failure to add longer legs will almost certainly result in damage to your dock whenever there is a storm.
Are we the only company experiencing these problems? NO – all of the install companies are experiencing the same issues.
WHY CAN’T YOU TELL ME WHEN MY DOCK INSTALLATION IS SCHEDULED?
After looking at the forecast, we make plans to install a group of docks at least a day ahead of time. When that morning rolls around, we have had to frequently change the work schedule, cancel it altogether, or move it to a different area.
We completely understand when our customers get upset that we can’t tell them when the install will occur. I think you will agree with me when I say they will get angry when we commit to an install on Wednesday and have to change the date at the last minute.
We may plan a stretch of installs along Bayshore Drive between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor for a Tuesday. However, if the winds are battering that area, we have to change our plans at the last minute. We have no choice.
We urge you to follow this advice – DO NOT bring your boat in until the boat lift installation is completed. You may end up having to take it out again if we can’t get there as planned.
Do you have a friend that might be interested in this post? Please forward it to them.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions
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 John @ 920-493-4405 for more information.
Thanks so very much, the guys did a great job!! – Lisa G. Door County WI
I am putting a check in the mail today. Thanks so very much, the guys did a great job!! I’ll be in touch in the spring.
Lisa G.
Door County WI
