I went to see Dr. M’s pier and …WOW! (I did reach out to him first). I am even more excited for spring, Also, you should know the crew that was here this week was very courteous and seemed like a great group of guys. My Mom and I appreciate that. They deserve recognition.
Julie S. Door County
Response– We are very happy you feel that way. Your endorsement has been conveyed to the crew. Thank you. We always appreciate feedback.
Thank you. Your crew are great men.
Katherine N., Sister Bay – Door County
Response – Thank you. We appreciate your comments
Eric DeBaker
Pier & Waterfront Solution’s sales and service team extends a welcome to Eric DeBaker.
Born and raised in Southern Door County, Eric currently resides in Appleton. He lives with his wife and 15-year-old son.
A graduate of Southern Door High School, Eric made technical sales for Miller Electric and Metal Man Work Gear Co.
He also worked in the real estate industry, helping homeowners and investors with real estate purchases at Coldwell Banker Real Estate group.
Additionally, Eric assisted trucking companies to comply with DOT and OSHA Requirements at J.J. Keller & Associates.
Creating shoreline stabilization sounds pretty easy to do. Just throw some big rocks on the shore. Right!? But when you leave your shoreline, do you really think it will do the job you intended it to do?
In reality, it is labor and equipment intensive and requires special equipment and permits.
You have a lot to gain from shoreline stabilization. Waterfront property is always more expensive in comparison to a property with no waterfront. Therefore by installing erosion control (in this case, riprap), you are protecting your investment. If the shoreline is washed away or damaged, your property values diminish along with it.
Shoreline Stabilization required
Shoreline erosion can happen from numerous conditions. The typical way is from waves crashing into the shoreline. As this happens, the waves begin to undermine the foundation of the beachfront. When the shoreline is not stable, you’ll lose your lawn, trees, shrubs, and your waterfront. When a bank is unstable, it’s not safe.
There are different ways to “shore” up a beach. The two most common ways to stabilize your shoreline – riprap (limestone or granite) and steel sheet piling.
The riprap method consists of using 8″ – 30″ stones to cover the shoreline’s exposed areas. Adding riprap allows the waves to lose their energy as they pass over and into the rocks.
Thanks to one of our many customers, we have a short video that demonstrates how riprap works. Press below –
Notice how the waves start to climb the riprap, but they dissipate in the rocks’ openings. Once the water drops below the riprap’s outer surface, it is further dispersed by more rocks under the surface.
In a major storm, some waves go so high that the spray from the waves will break over the top, as shown near the end of the video.
Be sure to call Pier & Waterfront Solutions if you would like information about the design, permitting, or erosion control estimates.
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, we provide a free site survey to determine the best material and design for your next dock.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in expert rip-rap installation from beginning to end. We are located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57 south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. We look forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
It’s the end of the boating season! What we wouldn’t give for longer days, bright sunshine, and more time outdoors! Especially this year- Summer was way too short!
But wait—you can?
Fall boating is just an extension of summer-time. After all, it’s great to enjoy your favorite activity for just a few more days.
Fading summer daylight is a disappointment to boaters. However, even the Fall can be filled with silver linings.
Fall Colors
Summer has it’s share of sun, but Fall’s where the real beauty and peace lies. Imagine looking at all those Fall colors you love from the waterside!
If you’ve never taken your boat out in Fall when the leaves turn, you are missing a great adventure. Savor Natures Beauty at it’s best.
How about a picnic? It’s also a great time to fish. There are plenty of bass along the shores.
As the summer sun bids goodbye, so do many of the boaters. But hanging in there brings its share of benefits.
Remember that restaurant you couldn’t get into in July – it’s all yours now!
Walk freely into fuel docks and wade into emptier waterways. If the summer is all about waiting for your turn, Fall is all about being the water king (or queen!).
When the peak season disappears, the best deals and sales make their grand appearance. Boating to Fish Creek, Ellison Bay, Baileys Harbor, or Egg Harbor can be an enjoyable day free of summer crowds.
A new boat at this time of the year is no exception. You might find your dream boat at a bargain price that was hard to imagine during the warmer months!
Don’t get caught off guard when the temperature drops. Pack a few extra blankets to keep you warm, especially when catching up over a cup of coffee.
You might not need the blankets when you are out there enjoying the scenery or fishing, but these will come in handy when you gather around in the evening, reliving the day.
Fall and coffee go together
When the outside gets cold, make a new best friend with hot coffee. (Or cocoa, or maybe tea.) Bring extra. It’s better to have a few extra rather than fall short of it when the temperatures drop.
Finding your way to your lift in the dark could be challenging if you do not have proper lights with you. Consider a headlamp with extra batteries. Keeping your hands free is an advantage you should not ignore.
Choose warm clothing and layer them up. One of the advantages of layered clothes is that you can easily adjust it to the outside weather. Remove layers if you warm up and begin to sweat.
For example, when the weather is pleasant during the afternoon, wear something light and opt for heavier clothing when the temperatures fall.
The temperature will turn cold, and the winds may pick up, but you’ll be comfortable if you select the right clothing. Wear those extra layers when you feel chilled.
Warm, dry clothes, like sweaters, sweatpants, and socks, are your best friends on a fall boating trip. Pack a variety of clothes and keep them dry so that you’re never too far from dry clothes.
Disposable hand warmers are perfect for all the passengers on board. Hand warmers can be placed inside your gloves so you can enjoy the activities while combating cold hands. Keep your hands toasty warm. A warm hat is essential too.
During Fall, life jackets are essential when hitting the waters and not only because they keep you afloat in case of an accident. A PFD is a vital safety requirement in lower temperatures. It can save you from hypothermia should you fall overboard into freezing waters.
Remember, there are fewer boats out there to rescue you. Choose a PFD with lights or reflective features so rescuers can spot you easily. Be sure your PFD fits over your multiple layers of sweaters, jackets, or sweatshirts. It’s not summer anymore.
Check the weather forecast before heading out to take pictures. In addition to beauty, Fall brings intense storms quicker than you can get to a safe harbor.
With shorter days, it’ll be dark when you finally return to shore. Do you remember how difficult it was to spot familiar objects in the dark? Many of those landmarks have now been taken in for the winter. It’s wise to ensure your navigation charts—both paper and electronic—are up to date.
Make sure you have emergency flares, and your navigation lights are in working order. Carry more than one waterproof flashlight so you can find your way in the dark.
A VHF radio could be a lifesaver if you run into a problem. With fewer boaters on the waters, you may find it difficult to wave down help. Sometimes, your cellphone might not catch a Wi-Fi signal. In those cases, use a VHF radio.
A beautiful trip can quickly turn dangerous if you forget to watch the weather. Keep an eye on the forecast throughout the day and plan accordingly. Download a weather app to stay updated at all times, and check it frequently.
Keep your fuel tank full. With fewer boaters on the water, many fuel docks close early. It’s better not to postpone fueling up and carry enough in your tank to return home.
Make sure someone knows you are going out for the day and where you plan to go. Give them your itinerary for the day. Make sure someone on shore has this information. They should know when you plan to return and who to contact if there’s an emergency or you fail to return on time.
While you’d love to sip on a crisp glass of wine while cruising watching the beautiful fall foliage, alcohol quickly lowers your body heat, making you more prone to hypothermia. It’s wiser to leave the booze onshore.
Batteries work well during the warmer months but might stop functioning when the weather turns cold. Is your battery fully charged?
Check to see hoses and fittings are tight. Otherwise, in time, you could run into problems.
Step into Fall
