Dec 16, 2025
Winterizing piers and waterfront property require specific preparation to protect against severe cold, heavy ice formation, and fluctuating water levels. The fundamental methods involve removing or securing movable structures and implementing ice management systems for permanent installations. General maintenance and evaluation of damage sustained to piers during the boating season should also be addressed prior winter.
Ice Shove
We understand that it may be inconvenient to work around the stored pier. There may be brown grass spots under the footpads in Spring. However, nature recovers quickly. That is not true for your pier.
General Preparation
Dock Inspection and Repairs: Before winter, thoroughly inspect all components (pilings, decking, hardware, electrical) for existing damage. Schedule repairs to prevent further damage from snow and ice melt.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions service crews have the ability to make repairs on all brands of docks and boat lifts.
Remove Accessories: Disassemble and store all removable items on dry land. This includes ladders, ramps, benches, boat lifts (if possible), storage bins, and furniture.
Utilities: Disconnect and blow out any water lines to prevent freezing and bursting. Remove power sources to non-weatherproof outlets and turn off breakers. Inspect cords and junction boxes for damage.
Pier and Dock Specific Measures
The winterizing approach depends heavily on whether you have a permanent pier, a three-season pier, or a floating dock system.
Permanent Piers
Accommodate Water Levels: Lake and river water levels can fluctuate. Ensure that the fixed structure is designed to handle potential changes. Reduced water levels might leave supports exposed or strained. High water can lead to excessive ice buildup.
Ice Management: Fixed pilings are highly vulnerable to “ice-jacking.” Pier ice-jacking refers to the upward force exerted by freezing ice on dock pilings or other piers when water levels fluctuate, causing them to be lifted out of their foundations. This phenomenon is caused by rising and falling water levels, and it can lead to significant damage to docks and other structures. The best way to prevent this is to maintain an ice-free zone around the structure. Installing a dock de-icer or bubbler system is recommended to keep water moving around pilings and the structure, preventing solid ice formation in critical areas.
Monitor Ice and Snow Load: Fixed docks bear the full weight of ice and snow accumulation. Regularly remove excessive ice and snow to prevent structural overload.
Three Season Piers
Three season piers installed by Pier & Waterfront Solutions are removed in the fall and reinstalled in the spring. We recommend that you allow us to place your equipment further up on your property due to the possibility for substantial damage encountered in the spring due to ice shoves.
Improper storage too close to the water Proper storage further from the water
Floating Docks
Removal is Best: For floating docks, the safest and most effective method is often to completely remove the sections from the water and store them on dry land. This eliminates the risk of ice damage altogether.
If Left In: If removal is not feasible, floating piers need to be disconnected from shore and allowed to move in the ice. They must be securely anchored with extra slack in the lines to accommodate shifting water levels and ice movement. Monitor the dock during winter, especially after severe weather events or rapid temperature changes, as fluctuating water levels and ice pressure can quickly cause damage.
Bubblers use an air compressor to create a curtain of bubbles and are more energy-efficient and effective in shallow water.
Propeller deicers use a submerged propeller to draw warmer water up to the surface, which is more effective in deeper water.
Boat Lifts and Equipment
Raise and Disconnect: Raise the boat lift cradle completely out of the water.
Lubricate and Secure: Lubricate all moving parts with marine-safe grease. Remove the power source and secure all lines.
Boat lifts have many of the same requirements as piers depending, if they are permanent or seasonal. Bubblers and deicers do the same thing but are very different products that can be used for piers and piles or lifts.
Consult with Pier & Waterfront Solutions for service and specific advice for winterizing your Pier and waterfront.
Aug 27, 2025
Having a dock can be a great way to enjoy your waterfront home to the fullest. However, to make your experience even more enjoyable, you may want to have a few fun and beneficial accessories. Dock accessories play a key role in enhancing your dock’s usability, safety, and comfort.
Bumpers: Bumpers protect your dock from being knocked and damaged by your boat during mooring. Installing bumpers can help your boat dock last longer and continue to have a scratch-free appearance. Dock bumpers are available in various sizes and materials, including foam and rubber, to suit different needs and preferences.
Cleats: Cleats are small metal fixtures used to secure mooring lines. Sturdy and inconspicuous, they help you keep your boat safe and secure.
Paddleboard/ Canoe/ Kayak Rack: Store your paddleboard, kayak or canoe off of your dock with an accessory bracket that attaches to the outside perimeter of your dock at any location. Kayak racks provide a secure and organized way to store kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on your dock. They keep your watercraft safe and out of the way when not in use. Installing a kayak rack maximizes space on your dock and ensures that your equipment is readily accessible and protected from damage.
Handrail: It’s the perfect accessory for safety-conscious owners.
Power Pedestals: Dock power pedestals offer numerous benefits including convenient access to electricity and water for boaters, streamlined connections, enhanced safety, and improved overall dock management. They eliminate the need for long extension cords and hoses, allowing for easy access to power and water for charging devices, running appliances, and performing maintenance.
Boat canopies: offer various benefits like sun protection, weather resistance, and enhanced boat value. The protection they provide against UV rays, water damage, and debris preserve the value of your boat.
Electric winch motors: replace manual cranking, allowing you to lift or pull with the push of a button or remote control, reducing manual effort and saving time. Winch motors offer controlled and predictable lifting/pulling motions, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Even if you aren’t a serious boater, there are a few dock accessories that can give you a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Ladders: Permanent ladders let you get in and out of the water easily. Pivot Ladders have a vertical pivoting action and locking pin allowing you to flip the ladder up when you’re not using it.
Fishing Station / Rod Holder: lets you relax on your dock and catch tonight’s dinner. The QuickConnect rod holder system is drill-free so you can move it anywhere on your dock.
Dock Bench: dock benches add comfort and style to your dock.
Dock Furniture: is easy to add, remove and adjust for a beautiful look and relaxing atmosphere. Transform your dock into a comfortable lounging area.
Solar Dock Lights: offer cost-effective and easy installation eliminating the need for electrical wiring. Solar lights enhance safety by providing illumination for navigating docks at night and preventing accidents. Solar lights are available in various designs and colors, adding to the visual appeal of the dock.
Slides and basketball hoops: add fun and games to your dock.
Pier and Waterfront Solutions is delighted to not only build and install docks but also provide you with a wide array of dock accessories. Whether you need a new ladder or dock bumpers, we’re happy to help you choose the dock accessories you want and install them for you. Pier & Waterfront Solutions will make your dock system work for you so you can get back to enjoying your time on the water.
Aug 27, 2019
HOW TO ACCESS A DOCK EASIER
Access to a dock is important to anyone wanting to use a boat. Boating is something both young and old enjoy. Many memories have been created on a boat or a dock. However, those moments are not as easy for some people to enjoy.
What about those who are not physically able to get to the dock or access the boat? It may be someone with an injury to a leg. It may be an older adult. People may have a fear of falling on the shore or getting into a boat.
For some people, access to a boat is an exhausting experience. Still, they want to enjoy the experience and want to be with their family.
What can you do to help them access your boat?
How about starting at the shore end with a longer dock ramp? Why? With the increasingly high waters the last few years you probably find that the standard ramp is now very steep. Your dock has to be installed higher to adjust to these high waters, But you probably have standard 8, 10 or 12-foot ramps. Up until now, these ramps have worked very well. Those ramps, combined with the increased dock heights, have resulted in a steeper angle to walk up. It may be almost impossible for the elderly to access your dock without assistance.
What if a 10′ ramp is still too steep?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has the solution for you! After all, it’s part of our name!
What if your guests could safely walk over the rocks & the hot sand in comfort?
The first question is – Would you like a longer ramp to reduce the angle? Next, do you have an aluminum dock or a galvanized dock?
Residential gangways may be the answer for you. Residential gangways are available in 16, 20, and 24-foot lengths. The angle would be much lower and it will put your gangway much further up the shoreline to protect your dock in storms.
In most cases, we can even match your existing decking on the residential gangways.
Gangways provide easy access to a dock
What about Commercial aluminum gangways?
Need a longer length? Commercial gangways are available in lengths up to 60′ long. Included handrails give you for even more safety. Remember, commercial gangways come with aluminum decking only. Give PWS a call to get things rolling for Spring 2020.
What about galvanized docks?
PWS recently designed a 20′ galvanized dock ramp that will be available in the spring of 2020. The 20′ galvanized ramp will make your access to the dock much easier.
No more walking over the hot sand or worse yet, the uncertainties of stepping onto the rocks. Is this the year someone will twist their ankle? A twisted ankle (or broken leg or arm) can ruin the summer for months. Crutches get old very fast!
No matter how high your dock is, you will have a gentle walk to the dock height with a gangway. Forget about picking up the sand from the beach and depositing it on the dock. You’ll be walking over it.
What other solutions does PWS offer for your dock and boat lift?
Handrails for dock access safety
Dock Handrails
Dock handrails can be added to your existing dock. Put them on one or both sides of your dock for extra security for the elderly and children. They come in various lengths and mount on all of the Shoremaster Infinity dock systems.
Don’t have a ShoreMaster dock? We can custom make them fit the dimensions you need. We’re all about Solutions!
Boat Loading Handrails
Boat Loading Handrails
Boat loading handrails make it easy and safer to access your boat.from a dock. They give stability for the entire family. Have an elderly parent or friend who could use the extra support and confidence to access the boat? These handrails are a great way to provide a safe experience for them.
Where is PWS?
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and about 5 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Jun 12, 2018
HOW TO ACCESS A DOCK
Gangways may be the best solution for your dock access problems.
On the Door County peninsula, the wave action is unpredictable. The only thing you can count on is – the waves will be high many times during the summer. You have to be ready for them by setting your dock high out of the water to avoid damage in those storms.
This height presents a problem. In the past, 97% of docks used a ramp to get to the dock height. In this case, the typical ramp was 8 or 10-foot long. 8’ long ramps present a steep angle which is hard for young kids and older adults to navigate.
Due to the low angle provided by a gangway, it is easier to access the dock.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
PWS has provided several different options for docks in the past. The options included – ramps, stairs and now gangways with handrails.
With the rising waters in recent years, we see damage to shorter ramps caused by debris brought in by the storms.
In addition, another problem is decking being torn off the ramp frames by the waves.
GANGWAYS – A BETTER OPTION?
Gangways come in 16’, 20’ and 24-foot lengths. The angle is greatly reduced versus a short ramp. This makes access much easier. Gangways get you away from the washed-up debris in storms.
Gangway off a seawall
If you have a seawall, gangways may allow you direct access to your dock. You may not have to go down to the beach or over the rocks at all. Gangways placed on steep embankments make the descent easier and safer.
At times, to allow access to the beach or dock, permanently mounted steps are attached to the sides of cliffs. In spring, the ice shoves damage the lower sections of the stairway. Attaching a removable or pivoting gangway to the last section can save expensive damage to the steps.
Door County Ice Shove – 2016
Many people have large boulders they must go over to get to the dock.
Gangways over the shore
Gangways can prevent twisted ankles or falls on slippery surfaces.
They are another means to access your deck on the house.
Where can you find the solution to any Dock or boatlift problem?
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, of course!
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is ready to assist you year round.
Contact us if you want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com with any questions.
May 31, 2017
Boat Loading Handrails
Boat Loading Handrails make it easy and safe to access your boat from your dock. They give stability for the entire family when moving from the dock to the boat. People really appreciate this steady handrail.
Dock Loading Handrails
Have an elderly parent or friend who could use the extra support? This is a great way to provide safe entry and exit from your boat.
Dock Handrails
Dock side handrails can be put on the length of your dock. Put them on one or both sides of your dock for extra security for the elderly and children. They come in various lengths and can be used on all of the Shoremaster Infinity dock systems.
Dock Handrail
Found this article helpful? Go to “NEWS” on any page of our website for a complete list of articles meant to keep you informed on the latest product information and maintenance issues. Check out our “older entries” also.
The wide variety of articles on dock and boat lifts issues will answer many of your questions. PWS believes that an informed consumer makes better decisions.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
. Coming Soon – “The PWS Store” on our website.
