Your Customer Service is unparalleled!
Thanks so much Jerry. Your Customer Service is unparalleled!
Carter R. Door County
DOCK & HISTORY of PWS
PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS
It’s been a fast-moving six months since our last article about PWS.
Dave Kalista and Jerry Englebert started in 2015. Like all new business owners, they were willing to put their futures on the line.
The first “office” consisted of a tiny room that was so small that you had to walk sideways to get to the table. It was the size of a closet in a new home.
All-Terrain Forklift
PWS tested an ATF that buried itself in the soft shoreline at Sugar Creek Park. It became clear that the machine would not work.
ATF for dock install
PWS bought the 1st All-Terrain Forklift and modified it to handle the conditions they would encounter.
While Jerry made sales, installs were done by hand or by using the All-Terrain Forklift. Dave operated the ATF along with Alex, our first employee. Alex is with us today and has his own crew.
PWS expanded
Pier & Waterfront Solutions moved out of the “closet” and into an office on Hwy 57 (our current location).
Today, manufacturing, a welding operation, and an assembly area occupy the warehouse. We still have room for a limited amount of equipment storage.
2016-2021 saw more ATF’s, crews, and trailers added – five ATF’s to be exact.
Meanwhile, the one-room office has grown into three offices. These offices accommodate the office staff of six required to handle the growing business.
PWS EXPANDED AGAIN
During late 2018 the Great Lakes and Green Bay experienced record water depths. The resulting damages included the loss of many shorelines. Trees and up to 50 feet of lawn washed away at some locations.
PWS responded by expanding its rip-rap business. PWS remains the only dock and boat lift company on the Door County peninsula to do so.
Enlarged 36′ x 45″ Barge
As the rip-rap business grew, we introduced a 24′ x 45′ barge and pusher boat. PWS needed the barge to protect the customer’s landscaping from damage.
In 2021, PWS added another section to the barge, making it a 36″ x 45′ barge. It continues to service both sides of the peninsula from Milwaukee to the tip of Door County.
Why such a large barge?
The barge allows PWS to transport excavators, track-mounted skid steers, and tons of boulders to the work sites from the waterside.
There is no damage to the landscaping.
It’s more economical for the homeowner, in most cases, and gives us access to areas that aren’t accessible by land.
GALVANIZED DOCK – NEXT INTRODUCTION
3-Season Pier
PWS developed a line of galvanized steel docks. The new docks use the best materials available today. Most steel docks are too light to handle the storms in open areas. Other models lacked the open-deck design of the 3-Season Pier.
After two years of testing, PWS introduced the 3-Season Pier. As a heavier, more robust steel pier, it is unmatched on Lake Michigan.
One of the features of the 3-Season Pier is a 25% larger platform. That’s more room for entertaining. Plus, it’s not a “special order.” “Special Order” is just another way of saying – more expensive.
The 3-Season Pier is available in 4′, 5′, and the prestigious 6′ width. The 3-Season Pier handles the high water and the strong storms you experience today.
The strength and dependability are evident when you look for a dock that will be around for a long time.
What was next?
The rapidly expanding business required more innovation to keep up with demand. In 2021, PWS added another barge. This time, equipped with a movable crane.
Barge w/ crane for dock removal
The “Small” barge (12′ x 45′) contains an articulating crane with a 60′ reach. The “small barge” eliminates the need for shore access by heavy equipment. The new crane also means reduced damage to a homeowner’s landscaping.
As Door County continues to build, land access for our equipment is diminishing. In the past, empty lots served as access to the shorelines. Today those lots are fully developed with manicured lawns and huge homes. In some areas, water access is the only available route.
What has happened to the Dock market in Door County?
The unexpected closure of an old dock business in Door County resulted in an influx of new customers. PWS is already planning its next moves to handle a large number of new customers. We plan to have everything ready for Spring 2022.
How will you find out about these changes?
The best way is to come back here each week and follow these posts on our website.
Summary
PWS already had the strongest aluminum dock as part of the ShoreMaster line. Now PWS has the strongest galvanized steel dock.
Call Jerry today. (920-493-4404) or email him at jerry@wisconsinpws.com or use this request form.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.
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 County MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions never closed. 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.
PWS implemented precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will 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.
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.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
COMPARE A JUMBO JET & OPEN DECKING
COMPARE A JUMBO JET TO OPEN DECKING
You’ve flown. Whether it’s 100 or 1,000 miles, it’s the same principle.
Airplane Flaps
Credit: Miguel Ángel Sanz
While landing at 125 MPH, a plane uses its “flaps” to provide extra “lift” when the forward speed is insufficient to keep the aircraft in the air. Flaps are those pieces of metal that roll out of the wing to slow the plane down while providing extra lift.
The added “lift” caused by the extended “flaps” maintains enough “lift” and surface area to keep the plane flying for a controlled landing.
What if the flap resistance was reduced to less than 60%?
What would happen if the flaps had “holes” in them. If you reduced the surface area by over 40%, what would happen? The answer is simple – the plane would soon be a pile of scrap metal.
By reducing the surface area of the flaps, air would pass right through, and the “lift” the pilot needed to stay airborne would disappear.
A plane needs the flaps’ resistance to help slow the aircraft when landing to maintain control.
The idea of resistance against the flaps works great for an airplane – not so much for your dock.
What has that got to do with open decking?
Typical Plank decking
That same principle of “lift” applies to your dock. Older docks have wood, aluminum, or plastic board decking. Despite the 1/2″ opening between the deck pieces, the decking is essentially a solid mass. When a wave comes up under the decking, the water tries to push the decking up.
Here’s where you have a choice.
With bolted-down decking, the wave is trying to lift the entire structure.
If you leave the decking loose, you risk losing that piece(s) of decking. Sometimes the pieces float a short distance and sink. You can recover them with a bit of effort.
The other side of the coin is they float too far away, and you end up purchasing new pieces.
What about “open decking”?
Open Decking
The open decking is like the “flaps” with holes in them. There is so much less surface area- 42% less – that the “lift” pressure is greatly reduced. The likelihood of lifting or flipping your dock over is significantly reduced.
We have to salvage many of the bolted down, solid plastic docks when the end lifts up and flips over. Usually, this causes the entire pier to flip over.
It’s like a train where the lead cars go off the track. Because they are connected to the next car, they all (or mostly all) flip over. The same is true with a dock.
You end up with twisted frames, which are a complete loss.
Is open decking hot to walk on?
No, for the same reason they are less likely to “lift” the dock. Those holes or slots rapidly dissipate the heat. The air passes through them and takes the heat away.
Does it get slippery when wet?
The shape of the slots allows the water to run off. The decking does not get “cupped,” which holds the water like the solid plastic boards. Besides, there are dimples on the walking surface to add traction.
It looks hard to walk on.
No, most people find open decking comfortable to walk or lay on.
Summary
Besides all the benefits noted above, the open decking costs LESS than other types of decking. These benefits are yours when you buy open decking from PWS.
Now pair these benefits with the PWS 3-Season Pier, and you have the best value for your money.
Call Jerry today. (920-493-4404) or jerry@wisconsinpws.com
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.
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 corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “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 that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will 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.
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.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
BASKETBALL HOOP & SLIDE
BASKETBALL HOOP & WATER-SLIDE
Announcing ……….
A basketball hoop and a slide are some of the latest additions to the ShoreMaster line of accessories.
Take the game off the court and put it in the cool water. Everyone will enjoy a Basketball Hoop from ShoreMaster!
Imagine the summer fun your family will enjoy.
Basketball Hoop Details
ShoreMaster Dockside Basketball Hoop
The backboard measures 44″ x 30″ for easy bank shots. Like most ShoreMaster dock accessories, the Dockside Basketball hoop utilizes the exclusive Infinity Track accessory system. You can easily attach and reattach it anywhere along the perimeter of the dock system. For more information on the Infinity track system, see this article.
The basketball hoop includes a 5′ post, which mounts easily to the side of the dock. (Non-ShoreMaster docks may require a simple adaptor plate.)
The hoop features an 18″ diameter rim, with waterproof nylon net, this basketball hoop is sure to provide years of fun.
Imagine your family having one more attraction this summer to keep them occupied. There is no reason to get bored in Door County.
SPECIAL NOTE – The Slide mentioned here is ONLY available for delivery in the Spring, 2022! The supplier is completely sold out and will only take our orders in the November pre-season order. Call Jerry today for pricing and get your Slide ordered for Spring, 2022.
Free Standing slide
Another accessory is the Dock Mounted Slide shown here. This accessory will be a great addition to your dock. The slide can also be a freestanding unit in the water* or mounted on a dock.
Call Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 for details and pricing.
Dock Mounted slide
*Caution: Be sure the water depth is sufficient for the slide. We also recommend not going down head-first. Small children should use a life preserver as an added safety measure.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
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 corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “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 that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will 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.
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.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you?
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Choice -by any name = Pier & Waterfront Solutions
Choice –by any name = Pier & Waterfront Solutions
Pier & Waterfront Solutions offers more dock choices than any Door County dock dealer. Most dealers offer a limited choice of aluminum docks or possibly a lightweight steel dock. Aluminum is popular because it is lightweight and easier to handle. But are they always the best choice for you?
Let’s look at the overall picture.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions is your exclusive ShoreMaster dealer on the Door County peninsula. ShoreMaster offers (5) aluminum dock frame styles. These include configurations for roll-in, stationary, and floating docks.
Now that’s a selection worth investigating!
In general, all ShoreMaster docks are made from the heaviest aluminum materials. In fact, they are almost twice as heavy as other brands. ShoreMaster dock frames are the strongest aluminum frames made. That’s why they hold up so well on the Bay. They are unmatched in quality and have a 15-year structural warranty.
Here is a comparison of the dock choices PWS offers and why they are so popular:
RS 4 –
ShoreMaster RS4 features a 4″ side rail, 10′ and 12′ lengths. There are seven types of decking available. You can use 5-sided aluminum or round steel legs. It’s ideal for calm waters on an inland lake or a sheltered area on the Bay.
RS 4 Curved –
RS4 Curved dock
The RS4 Curved dock is built to the same rigorous specs as the RS 4 shown above. What’s different is the availability of 45 – degree and 90 – degree curved sections.
These curved sections allow for more configurations than anyone else offers. (Hint – You can use curved sections with ANY ShoreMaster dock frame to genuinely make your dock unique.
RS7*
Features a 7″ side rail system. Available in 8′ and 16′ sections. Ideal for rough waters in an open area.
ShoreMaster RS7 and RS4 curved dock RS7 Dock
TS9 Dock frame with Flow -Through decking
TS9*
Uses a 9″ Truss construction side frame. 8′ and 16′ sections are available. Use with 5-sided aluminum legs or steel legs— ideal for rough waters and most open areas.
FTS9 –
The FTS9 has the identical construction of the TS9 in all respects. The frames have floats attached and are ideal for soft muddy bottoms.
Even MORE Choices
There are nine different types of decking available for the ShoreMaster frames shown above.
Poly Dock – http://polydockproducts.com/
PolyDock floating dock
Poly Dock is a modular dock design made of rotationally molded polyethylene. This floating dock does not have the unsightly black floats.
Poly Dock is a floating dock system that can withstand up to 2′ waves. It’s ideal for inland lakes or rivers with muddy bottoms and large water fluctuations.
Is aluminum the best choice on the Bay?
Aluminum dock frames may not always be the best dock solution with the current high water and heavy storms. Even though water levels are down this year, they are still above average by 14″.
Is there another choice?
3-Seasons Pier on Lake Michigan
PWS now offers the Exclusive all galvanized steel 3-Season Pier.
The 3-Season Pier meets PWS‘s demanding specifications for strength and durability. It’s a one-of-a-kind dock.
The frames weigh over a quarter ton without the oversized steel legs and decking. 3-Season piers withstand just about everything Mother Nature can throw at it. No Wisconsin manufacturer builds a heavier frame.
Gray Decking
Speaking of decking, PWS recommends flow-through decking for the 3- Season pier. This type of decking relieves most of the upward pressure caused by a storm’s high waves.
Is the 3 – Season Pier just another steel dock?
PWS was not willing to build just any steel dock. It had to meet their strict standards – or – PWS would not put their name on it. It is our fastest growing product.
Who installs the 3-Season Pier?
PWS installs everything we offer. Our unique ATF’s and the 40′ barge with the 60′ crane make the job look easy.
Now you know why Pier & Waterfront Solutions is so popular. We offer everything you need for your dock or lift.
Contact us TODAY!
To Summarize
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has the most dock choices from any manufacturer.
Where can you find 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 MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
PWS is
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus is beginning to wane. We can only hope people will continue to get the vaccine to help slow this illness. We continue to conduct 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 provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.
Jerry Englebert
Contact Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.
