May 18, 2021
Weather Radar and Boaters
All Boaters need to understand weather radar.
In the old days, weather forecasters based their predictions on a combination of things:
2. Good eyesight (a weather eye); and
While today’s boater likely will look at his cell phone rather than looking up at the sky. For example, my wife can predict a change in weather by the pain in her elbow. She’s pretty accurate and she’s getting old too. (Note: I don’t let her read these.)
When dark clouds start building, having a basic understanding of how weather works can give you a head start on preparations.
Not all thunderstorms are intense, but they all are potentially dangerous. Boaters are especially vulnerable to the weather. They can’t simply run “inside” for protection. It pays to have basic weather-reading skills — so you can be prepared.
Here’s some help:
The Basics of Weather
Dark Clouds
Clouds
Whole books have been written on how to predict the weather by looking at clouds. Most people have a hard time remembering all the different types and what they signify. Here’s a simple rule of thumb: slow clouds get lower, or puffy clouds grow and get higher. Keep an eye out for rain or a storm. When looking at the sky, it’s helpful to remember that most weather changes come from the west. So keep your weather eye in that direction.
Generally, the slower the clouds change, the longer the duration of the weather change.
Thunderheads form quickly and dissipate just as quickly. Slowly thickening clouds associated with a cold front often mean a soaker.
Winds
Most of the time, winds are light in the morning. The winds pick up in the afternoon, and then return to light again as evening approaches.
If you find the wind speed not following the usual local pattern, suspect a change coming.
The direction of wind changes can also give you a heads-up to what’s coming. If the wind changes clockwise — say, from the south to southwest to the west — it usually means fair weather on the way.
If the wind changes counterclockwise, it usually signifies the approach of foul weather. An example would be, winds changing from the west to southwest and then to the south.
During the formation of a “pop-up” thunderstorm, the wind doesn’t always follow that rule. A “pop-up” thunderstorm often comes straight down from the clouds. It then spreads out in all directions. If you feel a sudden cool wind, check the sky for towering clouds.
Food for thought: When the speed of the wind increases, its effect on your boat rises exponentially. Your boat acts like a “sail.”
Did you know that a 20-knot wind has four times the force of a 10-knot wind?
Barometers
Weather Barometer
Barometers are more than just pretty brass instruments. The have a useful purpose. It’s just that most people do not understand their purpose – but they do look good.
Knowing what they’re saying can alert you to the advancing weather. Barometers are typically marked with areas of the face declaring “fair,” “changing,” and so on. The wording is misleading since reading a barometer is about noting changes.
A falling barometer usually means bad weather is approaching. It’s as much the speed of the change as the change itself that’s important to note.
A rapid fall means more significant changes. The normal pattern is a small up-and-down change that you can ignore.
A rapid rise may mean fair weather with strong winds. Typically, checking a barometer every couple of hours is adequate. Look for the direction of the change.
Thunder
If a thunderstorm is approaching, listening to thunder can tell you a lot about it. Counting the seconds between a “flash” of lightning and the “boom,” gives you the distance from the lightning. A five second difference equals about a mile.
Parents: if your children are afraid of thunder and lightning, explain that it is miles away. Then, distract them by asking them to count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder. It becomes a game for them, and they become less afraid of the noise.
Radar
Check the radar on your phone. Use the zip code 54301 for Green Bay. This is where the National Weather Service (NWS) is located. Their radar map includes the entire Door County peninsula.
The radar map will tell you where a storm is and where it’s heading. But, do not rely totally on radar. Because of the size of the Bay and Lake Michigan, there are frequently “pop-up” storms. That means unless you are actively looking at the radar, you can miss the approach of these storms.
Radar gives you the range and movement of the rain, allowing you to change course to avoid the worst. If the storm overtakes you – turn the boat “into” the waves and reduce speed.
Keep in mind, using the hourly radar will tell you where the rain is, but only a little information about the winds.
If you feel a sudden change in temperature, it signifies a change in wind intensity is coming. Start looking for a safe harbor, just in case.
Knowing the forecast before you head out is equally important.
BoatUS App
You can download and use the BoatUS App to track the weather. You’ll get small craft advisories and weather forecasts. Authorize “notifications” to receive updates about storm information. These occur each time NOAA tracks a storm heading your way.
NOAA
The most prominent weather data forecasts come from NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS). NWS broadcasts weather for all parts of the U.S. via the Internet. It issues regular updated VHF broadcasts. All modern VHF radios can tune in to the forecasts, which operate on one of seven frequencies. Scan through the channels to find the best reception. Boaters can hear the computer-synthesized voice 25 miles or more from the transmitter.
The NOAA website lists current wind speed, wave height, and more at a nearby weather buoy. Go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov for a look.
Weather Folk Lore
Red sky in morning, sailors take warning, red sky at night, sailors’ delight.
Pink Sky – Sailors Delight
Ever wonder what that means?
At night, a red sky signifies light passing through dust particles in the air in front of the setting sun. Dust indicates dry weather. Since most weather changes come from the west, a red sky at night means dry weather is approaching.
A red sky in the morning indicates that the dry air has moved east. Rain may be coming, especially if you see illuminated clouds.
If the morning sky is a deep fiery red, it means high water content in the atmosphere with the likelihood of rain. A gray sky at night means that the western air has a lot of moisture; therefore, it will likely rain soon.
One thing to remember: this rhyme can’t predict thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Especially, when the morning has already been clear.
A summer fog for fair, a winter fog for rain.
Fog forms when the air cools enough that the water vapor condenses. When moist air moves over cold land, it will bring fog and possibly rain. For the air to be cool on a summer night, the sky must be clear. With clear skies, the excess heat can radiate into space. Cloudy skies act like a blanket, absorbing and re-radiating the heat, keeping it in.
If it is clear and cool enough for the fog to form on a summer morning, it should be clear later or at least by the next day.
When a halo rings the moon or sun, rain’s approaching on the run.
The halo around the sun or moon is caused by ice crystals high in the sky. A warm front is approaching and usually rain will be here within 24 hours. The rhyme is more accurate in the summer than the winter.
The higher the clouds, the better the weather.
High clouds mean both dry air and high atmospheric pressure. These indicate fair weather. Lower clouds mean approaching rain.
Marine Warnings and What They Mean
- Gale Warning: This is published when winds will be in the range of 34 to 47 knots.
- Storm Warning: This is issued if winds between 48 to 63 knots are forecast.
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Special Marine Warning: This warning is for boaters, in particular. It is issued whenever a severe local storm or strong wind of brief duration is imminent. It is not covered by existing warnings or advisories.
To sum this up – Learn all you can about clouds and winds – It can mean the difference between a nice cruise and a disaster.
Where can I 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.
May 11, 2021
Selecting the Correct Dock Lights
Lights for your dock and boat lift are essential for the security of your family and guests. Proper dock lights can prevent a serious accident.
Lighting also serves as a guide when you return to your pier at night.
PWS will help you select the proper lighting for your particular needs.
Here are some suggestions to enhance the security, safety, and appearance of your dock.
Are Solar-Powered Lights better than AC Lights?
Solar cells can control both systems. AC-powered lights can also operate with a timer. Solar lights turn on and off when the light level dims. You don’t have to be present, and they need no AC power to operate.
Solar-powered lights cost nothing to use and are safer to operate, with no risk of shock. They charge even when it’s cloudy.
Reminder: You don’t have to remove a solar powered lights if your dock requires removal each year. Solar lights are self-contained and have no exposed wires. Solar lighting does not need power boxes at the shore with safety circuits in the house.
To answer your question – YES – solar lighting is the preferred method.
Where can you mount dock lights?
The preferred location for dock lighting is on the deck surface or on the leg posts. The deck-mounted style mounts along the edge of the dock, where you are not likely to step on it. You have a choice:
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A hole placed in the decking with the lights placed almost flush with the deck surface.
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Lights can mount on the side of the dock.
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Mounted on the top of the decking at the edge of the pier. OR
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Mounted on the boat lift uprights.
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Surface Dock Light
Surface mounted Dot Lights
Use this link for more information.
What about post lights?
A post-mounted light fixture mounts on a leg post above the decking. This is a simple mounting, but the heights may vary depending on the water depths from year to year.
Post lights
For Visual Drama and Safety, Illuminate the Water’s Edge
Add a set of lights that shine into the water and reflect off the edges of the dock. This adds both visual impact and a second safety factor. The pier is more visible as you bring the boat into your lift.
Choose Colors that Help Identify Your Dock for Visitors
At night, it can be difficult to distinguish which dock is yours. This is especially true if you cannot see any of the landscaping or tree outlines. If neighboring piers use the same colored lights, it can be challenging to pick the correct one.
Consider adding red and green lights at the end of your dock to help you steer your boat to the correct side at night. You can use any available color scheme at the end.
Light for Safety When Leaving the Dock Area
Place a light on a high pole or tree, shining down at the entrance to your path or stairway. This will provide visibility at the entrance to your dock. Avoid lights that cast a bright light in a wide pattern. Let your guests and neighbors sleep.
Think safety first, visual drama second.
Who can help you make your selections? Pier & Waterfront Solutions!!!
Where can I 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 next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus continues to spread and affects many people. We are 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 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.
May 4, 2021
May – Water Safety Month
Water Safety Month is here. With the start of Summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about FUN IN THE SUN! You’ve been waiting for it – Now ENJOY IT!!
You want all your family and friends to be safe, and you would never allow an injury to occur. Let your family enjoy the entire Summer on the water! Here are some helpful tips to keep you in the sun all Summer long!
For Safety – Always wear a life jacket!
Whether you’re on a boat or a personal watercraft, always wear a personal flotation device for personal safety. Young children should always wear life jackets anytime they are in or on the water. A life jacket is the first line of defense against drownings.
They will insist that they can swim so they don’t need one. Can you ensure there will be no leg cramps or a head injury? Either of these would render them unable to “swim like the fish they think they are”? Don’t give in! YOU are the ADULT. Make them wear a floatation device for their safety.
Ensure that the life jacket fits snugly but comfortably. Make sure it cannot slip above the chin or ears when tugged on at the shoulders. Life jackets must be worn correctly to keep them safe.
Do you really want to find out what it’s like to lose a child, a friend, or a grandchild? Be the adult and insist they wear a life jacket.
Pay Attention to the Weather
Summer weather can change. Severe weather can crop up quickly and escalate even faster. For everyones safety, pay attention to weather forecasts and the skies. Don’t get caught on a lake when the weather goes from sunny to stormy.
Always wear sunscreen!
Today, we are all aware of the danger we incur when the sun is out. The reflection off the water and wet skin amplify the sun’s intensity. Protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Drinking and Boating Don’t Mix.
A cool beverage can be refreshing on a hot Summer day but don’t drink and drive a boat. Consuming alcohol impairs your judgment. It slows your reflexes, making it harder for you to steer, swim and assist those around you. If you want to have a cool beverage, do it from the safety of the shoreline.
May-Water Safety Month
In Wisconsin, you will get a traffic citation for operating a boat while under the influence. Even using a PWC under the influence will get you a ticket.
Speaking of a PWC – everyone loves to race a boat or another PWC. It is easy to lose control and get thrown off the PWC. Maintain at least 100 feet from a dock and between any water vessel and 200 feet of the shoreline.
Read this state approved handbook – page 26 for additional regulations. A citation for operating in an unsafe manner will spoil your day.
A general rule of thumb is – if the state law does not allow you to drive a vehicle in that manner – it’s probably illegal on the water too.
For safety – Keep Your Speed Down and Pay Attention
The lakes and waterways can get very busy in the Summer months. Watch out for other boats, swimmers, tubers, and skiers. Maintain a safe speed and always practice defensive driving. Not sure what the other guy is going to do? – stay clear!
Keep an eye out for boats and swimmers in distress.
Use the Buddy System for Safety
Bring a buddy with you – it’s more fun and safer! Even experienced swimmers can get into a dangerous situation and need help.
Make National Water Safety Month an excellent experience for everyone.
Where can I 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 next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus continues to spread and affects many people. We are 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 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.
Apr 27, 2021
In a March 30, 2021 article, PWS announced the latest addition to our dock & boat lift install equipment. Namely – our “small barge.” We now have a much clearer picture to show you.
The “Small Barge” measures 12′ x 40′, so it’s not so small after all. Powered by (2) – 225 HP motors it requires a semi to transport it.
Where has it been since that article?
“Small Barge”
It’s been undergoing retrofitting and adjustments until we were ready to launch it.
In this picture, you see the barge supported on the four downriggers. The downriggers suspend the barge above the water to weather storms and stabilize the barge during installations. With the entire barge suspended in the air we are able to handle everything nature can throw at us.
What does the addition of the “Small Barge” mean for you?
It may be showing up on your waterfront. No, this is not meant to just haul rock or boulders like our other barge.
The “small barge” installs and removes docks and lifts only. Remember, many times its difficult to get our ATF’s down on the beach to do installations. Even if we do get to some of these locations, we could sustain damage to the undercarriage. That’s a costly situation.
The “small barge” has a 60-foot knuckle boom (shown here with only 3 of the lengths opened). There are four more lengths yet to be extended. This allows us to reach your equipment on the shores without the use of our ATF’s.
We can raise your boat lift or dock and swing around to install it where its needed.
In Fall, we return your equipment to the shore without damaging the lawn. Water soaked lawns are no longer a problem.
Another unique feature
Notice that the knuckle boom will move forward and backwards on a “track” in the middle of the barge. The entire boom can move about 30′ forward for extra reach. Combined with a very shallow draft its an innovative and faster way to install on Green Bay.
PWS always is looking for ways to complete the installs faster each year. By becoming more efficient we can service more people.
The recent closure of Port-A-Pier makes it even more important than ever to find ways to handle the extra workload.
You can depend on Pier & Waterfront Solutions to continue to innovate to handle your needs.
One Final Update
Not to be left behind, PWS has also completed the expansion of our large Barge. The addition of the middle section means we now have a 36′ wide x 45′ Barge. That’s a 33% increase in the overall size and capacity.
Enlarged 36′ x 45″ Barge
Where can I 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 next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus continues to spread and affects many people. We are 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 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.
Apr 20, 2021
Seagulls leaving a mess on your pier?
Seagull mess
Seagulls are looking for a place to rest at the same time as your dock is being installed. Once they get into the habit of eating or sleeping on your dock, getting rid of them is very difficult.
Are seagulls leaving the “leftovers” from their meals on your dock? What about the other harmful “deposits” they leave behind?
PWS has some suggestions to get rid of them.
When should you start to rid yourself of the seagulls?
Start in Early Spring!
Don’t allow seagulls to roust on your dock. Once established, they will habitually return to the same place each night.
Adding deterrents later will have minimal to no effect on them.
What Problems do Seagulls Cause?
Seagulls are noisy, aggressive, and a health hazard to humans. Despite this, the US government has enacted legislation to protect seagulls.
You are not allowed to harass, kill or destroy their nesting areas.
Are Seagulls always coming back to your pier?
If the answer is yes – they found a source of food nearby.
Seagulls Returning for food
Seagulls are territorial and aggressive when it comes to food. Under no circumstances should you feed them. They will return time and time again. They are like a friend who wanted to stay for just a day or two and never left. The difference is they are not your friend.
Remind your visitors not to feed them. Once a seagull finds a source of food, other seagulls will appear.
Don’t leave food containers outside after your parties. Seagulls will return if you do.
What do Seagulls eat?
A seagull’s diet consists of fish, rodents, insects, eggs, earthworms, reptiles, plant items, and even other birds. The seagull is an intelligent bird and very versatile in how they get prey.
The food you leave behind is an easy source for them. The gulls don’t have to scrounge around looking for food if you provide it for them.
When is their nesting season?
Seagulls enter nesting season once per year, and the season lasts for 3 to 5 months. They are highly aggressive during this time. Stay clear of their nests.
These large and noisy birds defend their territories from rivals through aerial attacks and calls. Nesting season is when they are the most boisterous and the most aggressive.
Seagulls are ground-nesting birds taking live food – crabs, small fish – or scavenge as it becomes available. They historically pose control problems near sources of water or food.
Seagulls are intelligent and resourceful birds too. They have a highly developed social structure and a complicated communication method.
They even display mobbing behavior. Seagulls attack would-be intruders (like you) and predators when anything threatens their nest.
How do you get rid of Seagulls humanely?
There are many products on the market that you can use to deter seagulls. See this article for a list of products and where to get them.
Unfortunately, many of these products are ineffective.
Remember this when considering a seagull deterrent. Seagulls do not like anything that disrupts their flight patterns. Simply put, they do not want to get tangled in anything.
Bird wire or something as simple as a fishing line is a humane, discreet, and highly effective control solution for docks.
How does it work? A stainless steel wire or a simple fishing line is reported to be a deterrent to gulls. The wire prevents gulls from landing on docks, boats, and other long surfaces that attract pesky birds.
Check this link for a source for bird wire.
Why are seagulls afraid of wires?
There is another way. Seagulls use a higher UV range than humans to see what’s around them. As a result, they can see underwater without the use of sunglasses like humans require.
They also “see” a metal or nylon fishing line as a bright line, day or night. That line potentially interferes with their flight, plus it alarms them as it moves in the wind.
Seagulls are heavy birds compared to most birds. As a result, they require a clear path to take off. Stringing a fishing line horizontally along your dock can be very effective and inexpensive. Commercial products recommend stringing the line about 7-8 feet above the pier.
It works the same as bird wire and costs much less. The downside to the fishing line is that it needs to be replaced each year and possibly more than once. Hint: string the fishing line from leg to leg and tie it off rather than stringing it the full length in one piece. This way, if one section breaks, it does not take the entire line down. Allow it to move in the wind.
Another deterrent
Seagull deterrent Daddi Long Legs
Daddi Long Legs is another deterrent. It prevents gulls and other large birds from landing in open spaces. Where can you buy this product? Try www.Bird Barrier.com.
How it works: Thin, stainless steel rods wave menacingly in the breeze. Any breeze causes the rods to move and interferes with the seagull’s flight as they attempt to land. Benefits: It is a humane product with plastic tips to prevent injury to humans.
In conclusion
It’s best to use more than one means to get rid of seagulls. Seagulls don’t like to be disturbed while they eat or sleep, but they can see a single device as non-threatening over time. We recommend that you change or move your devices from time to time. They will adapt over time.
Where can I 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 next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus continues to spread and affects many people. We are 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 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.
