Jul 31, 2018
Boat safety
Boat safety should be part of Wisconsin’s three great seasons for boating. Yes, 3 seasons and then comes winter!
Boat SafetyTips
Boat Safety Rule #1- Everyone needs one
- Life Jackets are Mandatory: We all understand that life jackets can save lives. But so many of us don’t bother wearing them when we hit the water. Whether you don’t like the way they feel, or they don’t look cool, life jackets are there for a purpose. Make sure all kids wear their life jackets. A life jacket could easily save your child’s life. Besides – It’s the Law.
- Just like driving a car – Drinking and driving do NOT mix: Have a designated driver if you plan to drink. In Wisconsin boating violations, like drunk driving, count against your driver’s license and your insurance premiums.
- Check Your Lights: Are all of your boat’s lights working correctly? Don’t forget how quickly the sun sets. You don’t want to go back in the dark.
- Watch the Weather: Summer weather in Wisconsin can be unpredictable. Make sure you check the forecast and continue to keep tabs on the weather throughout the day. Don’t get caught in a sudden storm. It only takes about 15 minutes to go from clouds to a violent storm on the Bay.
Avoiding Boating Accidents
Here’s a hard fact: Boating accidents, like failure to yield right of way, to approaching a dock too fast, are all too common. Most of these accidents were avoidable.
Maybe I should have turned wider
Additionally, 15% of all boating deaths had alcohol involved. Another 83% of drowning victims did not have a PFD.
It’s not a question IF boating accidents are a problem but instead, what can be done to reduce the rate of these accidents?
How You Can Prevent a Boating Accident
- Boating and Booze Do Not Mix: Do not drink and operate your vessel. If you take drinking and driving your car seriously, then the same caution should be exercised on the water.
Boat Safety Rule #3- Don’t get a visit from him
Operating a boat while over the alcohol limit is illegal and puts everyone on the water at risk. You have slowed reaction times and a lack of judgment.
- Make PFDs mandatory: So often, an otherwise minimal accident can turn tragic if a passenger falls into the water without it. Remember, they do not have a seatbelt.
Though you may be a good swimmer, there are many ways that you could end up injured and unable to swim. That’s not to mention the possibility of rough waves, which could make swimming back to your boat impossible.
- Follow posted speed and wake limits and stay vigilant for risks.
Like car accidents, some things are out of your control. However, boating accidents are minimized if boaters simply:
- Stay sober behind the wheel,
- Wear PFDs,
- Follow speed and wake limits, and
- Brush up on the essential safety standards of operation.
Is a Boat Safety Course for you?
If you’re a new boater, boating safety courses are a no-brainer. Here are some take-homes you will learn:
- Boat Operation: There are some easily overlooked best practices that can help you avoid collisions, run aground or otherwise damage your boat.
- Emergency Procedures: From fires to dangerous weather, when you’re facing an emergency on the water, every second counts.
- Navigation: Even if you know your favorite boating spot like the back of your hand, there are too many variables to go without trip planning and preparation. These classes can teach you the safest ways to plan your next boating trip.
- Equipment: Even the safest boaters should know what equipment could save their lives in emergency situations. Ensure that all of your safety equipment is up to the task of keeping you and yours out of danger.
- Emergency Cut-Off Switch: If you go overboard, the last thing you want to see is your boat speeding away from you – especially if you aren’t wearing your PFD. Use a kill switch/emergency or cut-off switch fastened to your clothing. This ensures that the engine will shut off if you find yourself thrown into the water. It’s much like the shutoff switch on a treadmill at the gym.
- Keep Contact: Keep others informed about your boating plans. Let them know where you are going, especially if boating alone. Always keep a VHF radio on you, as well as your cell phone, safely stored in a waterproof container.
Boating safety classes will teach you the right procedure for most critical situations you may encounter while boating.
Practice boat safety and enjoy the ride.
Reminder
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. It is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road.
Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you? Feel free to give us a call.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Jul 24, 2018
BoatLift Safety Reminders
BoatLift Safety requires constant vigilance. No one can predict when a cable will snap, or when lightning will occur. Children’s safety is paramount whenever they are near a boatlift. This article originally appeared on the Davit Master web site.
This information is important and is well worth reviewing again.
WARNING
BOATLIFTS WITH REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Turn off the power source on A.C. Powered Units (Electrical Breaker) to the lift when not in use. This prevents any outside sources or accidental transmissions from activating the boat lift/remote control system.
WARNING
ELEVATOR BOATLIFTS WITH TRACKS IN THE WATER
Turn off the power source (Electrical Breaker) to the lift when not in use A.C. Powered units.
WARNING
ALL BOATLIFTS
- BoatLifts are for use by adults only.
- Keep hands and clothing away from all moving parts.
- BoatLifts are not designed for lifting humans.
- Never ride on the boat when lifting or lowering the boat.
- Do not exceed the factory recommended load capacity of the lift.
- Make sure no persons are under, near or on the lift during operation.
- Do not allow the boat to fill with water.
- Do not power your boat onto the lift.
- Always turn the power source off to your lift when servicing your boat or lift.
- Do not swim in the area of the Boat Lift.
- BoatLifts are heavy equipment and should be treated as such
- Inspect your cables once a month.
- Lubricate your cables monthly with penetrating oil.
- Replace cables that are frayed or rusted.
Boat Lift Cable Lubricant
Just a reminder:
For those who consider the current heat wave as unbearable – this is what the outdoors looked like a mere 70 days ago –
2018 Arrowhead Beach – Crushing a boathouse
Where is PWS?
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. It is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road.
Want us to address a dock or boat lift topic for you? Feel free to give us a call.
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.
Jun 5, 2018
How to Select BoatLifts – Part 2
Boatlifts come in several configurations. In part 1 of this 2 part series, we discussed vertical and cantilever lifts. What about boatlifts for larger boats?
Next, we’ll discuss Elevator and Hydraulic boatlifts.
Elevator Lift
The elevator boatlift can only be mounted on permanent piers. These piers usually consist of a concrete pier (or concrete capped, boulder pier) or as an alternate a pier mounted on permanent pilings. As shown below, the elevator lift raises the boat parallel to the pier for easy access to the boat. They are commonly used in channels and lakes with significant fluctuations in water depth.
Elevator BoatLifts
The elevator lift is powered by one or two synchronized A.C. electric motors depending on the unit size. There is no need to hand-crank this lift. A wireless remote control is used to raise or lower the boat.
Elevator boatlifts are capable of stopping anywhere along its vertical travel so it makes it simple to load and unload a boat. This boatlift makes the boat readily accessible for covering with a boat cover and loading.
Hydraulic BoatLift
In general, Hydraulic boatlifts will travel 4’, 5′ or 6’ vertically depending on the model ordered. They will handle loads up to 32,000 lbs.
Because the base is wider than a typical cantilever or vertical boat lift, you have more stability in storms.
The Hydraulic lift is one of the best for high waves and water surges. The D.C. operated units are quiet and use solar-powered batteries and wireless remote controls. No A.C. power required.
Hydraulic BoatLifts by ShoreMaster
Where can you find the solution to any boatlift situation?
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, of course!
PWS is located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s just 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is ready to assist year round.
Call if you want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Contact Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com with your questions.
May 29, 2018
What is the right Boat lift for Me? – Part 1
Purchasing a new boat lift is a very confusing time You have a lot to consider before making your decision. This article will help you make your lift selection easier.
Where will you be using the boat lift?
One factor in your lift selection process is its suitability for the body of water you will be using it on. Will you be on a large bay or lake where waves can be strong? Will it be a river or small lake with minimal wave action?
In NE Wisconsin, Green Bay and Lake Winnebago present unique problems for boaters. These two bodies of water have significant fluctuations in water depth and wave action. Wave action of 3 or more feet added to increasing water depth during a surge will cause significant problems for boaters.
When these two factors combine, you will want a lift that raises high enough to keep your investment from being damaged.
Consider Frame Construction
You need durable frame construction to withstand the boat weight and pressures from the moving water.
ShoreMaster Vertical Boat Lift with welded side frames
Are the side frames all welded construction? Are the side frames simply bolted together? Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive. This results in frame movement over time. Movement results in elongated holes and a weaker frame structure.
What are the Boat Lift Frame Materials?
The most popular boat lifts in N.E. Wisconsin has aluminum frames and stainless steel cables.
What is the Warranty of the frame material?
Boat lifts come with a 1 or 2-year factory structural warranty. Some have a five year, and a few even have a 10-year warranty.
ShoreMaster boat lifts carry a full 15-year structural warranty. This 15-year warranty is the result of the all-welded side frames. Bolts are only used to assemble the side frames to the cross members.
Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive, but this results in frame movement over time. Movement results in elongated holes and a weaker frame structure.
Your boat deserves the extra protection and strength of a ShoreMaster boat lift.
What type of cable do they use?
Boat lifts today have either galvanized, stainless steel or a combination of both. Stainless steel cables last as much as 2 – 4X longer than galvanized cable. Stainless steel cable is not as strong as galvanized but the manufacturers increase the cable and winch diameters to compensate.
There are limits to the diameter of the cabling used. The winch drum diameter limits the cable diameter. A thick cable wrapping around a small drum flexes the cable unnaturally resulting in premature cable failure.
Boat length, width, and weight?
Consider not only the length, width, and weight of the boat you have now but also the possibility of a larger boat in the future. This may not be the deciding factor in your boat lift decision, but don’t ignore it altogether. It can be the difference between:
- Buying a new boat OR
- Buying a new boat AND a new boat lift.
Manual or Electric operation
Do you want to raise your boat by using the hand wheel or use a motor to do all the work for you? Nature powers most lift motors through a D.C. motor and battery setup.
ShoreMaster Boat Lift with a DC Motor
A.C. versions, while available, require 120 V power at the boat site and need more care to prevent electrical shock.
Resale values
While cantilever boat lifts generally cost less than vertical lifts initially, consider the resale value if you decide to get a larger boat which requires a new lift. Cantilever lifts typically have less resale value because they can be used in fewer applications. Vertical lifts allow you to function in shallower water and raise your boat higher. For this reason, they hold their value more than a cantilever boat lift.
See Part 2 for additional information
Where can you find the solution to any boatlift situation?
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 year round.
Call 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.
