Sep 3, 2019
It’s time to think – winter storage.
It seems like just yesterday when the days began getting longer and the temperatures were rising. Now the temperatures are rapidly falling and the days are getting shorter.
Labor Day has come and gone. Traditionally, it signals the end of summer. Many people are shutting down their summer retreats and preparing them for winter storage. They are packing up and heading home. We have people from all over the country – from Florida to California and many places in between.
The Door County peninsula is a favorite retreat for many people, including Bear fans. We’ll see many of you in a few days – Sept 5th (Packers vs. Bears)
In the meantime, we hope that you will remember to call John (920-493-4405) and let him know when you are ready for the removal of your equipment. (i.e., your boat is off your lift).
While you are busy closing up your retreat, our crews are once again removing docks and boat lifts for winter storage. The water cools off quickly, and they have to go into it daily. We want to avoid working in the morning ice this year.
What can you expect this year?
The farther we get into September, the bigger the storms become. When a storm is in the forecast, we can’t respond fast enough to get everyone out of the water. Once a storm hits your equipment, there is nothing we can do except to wait it out. If there is widespread damage along the Door County shoreline it takes time to get to everyone.
Preparing for winter storage
Our equipment can go into about 4 feet of water (the operators’ cab is flooding at that point). Our crews get more than wet feet when that happens.
The sooner you notify us that you are ready, the better the chances we have to get your equipment out of the water.
Due to the potential for big storms, we try to handle the Bay first and then the inland lakes.
What should change this Fall?
We recommend that you allow us to place your equipment further up on your property. Why?
Due to the substantial damage encountered in the Spring of 2019. We understand that it may look unsightly and it’s difficult to cut the lawn under it. Plus, there may appear to be dead spots under the footpads in Spring. However, nature recovers quickly. Isn’t that better than what you see here?
Wrong winter storage
Ice Shove
In some cases, the ice moved more than 50 feet up on to the shore and lawns. In one case right into the house.
Crushing a deck and house
These are just some of the winter conditions we can expect each year. With the high water this year we expect to see even more of this in the Spring of 2020.
Remember
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in all ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and accessories.
We are located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57, just south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection with Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Jun 18, 2019
WALKING PLATFORM FOR JET SKI LIFTS
Walking Platform
A walking platform for your ShoreMaster vertical jet ski lift is an essential add-on from Pier & Waterfront Solutions. These stainless steel walking platforms are made exclusively for the SM 1064 and SM 1264 jet ski lifts (PWC lifts).
The walking platform consists of a stainless steel, perforated platform that mounts securely to the lift rack. The platform never rots and is extremely strong. It’s simple to install – one 9/16″ wrench is all you need. No drilled holes required
A stainless steel walking platform provides a stable platform for loading, refueling, or working on your jet ski.
Duel walking platforms
The platform allows easy access to both sides of the jet ski. With access on both sides, the platform will enable you to put a cover on while high and dry.
Why scramble over your jet ski to put a cover around it? Why get tossed around by the waves while trying to work. There won’t be any more standing on the lift rack where the risk of falling off or injury is the greatest.
Imagine being able to service and refuel your jet ski without having to stand in the water or pulling it up on the rocks. Now you have a loading platform to set your equipment on when working on the engine or re-fueling your unit. You can do all kinds of work and stay dry.
Want more?
ShoreMaster winch tube extension
How about a winch extension post which allows you to reach the winch wheel from your dock? The aluminum extension post comes in a kit and will enable you to move the winch up, so you have better access to the winch wheel. A dock set high out of the water will no longer be a problem. No need to lay on the pier to reach the wheel?
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula 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.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Jun 11, 2019
PADDLEBOARD
Paddleboards at sunset.
A paddleboard is becoming a favorite activity in Door County. As a great stress reliever, It also helps develop upper body strength, balance, and agility. It is a complete body workout. What people really enjoy is the peace and tranquility of the Door County Peninsula.
Just imagine the sunrises and beautiful sunsets you can enjoy on the bay of Green Bay.
What Happens When You Return to the dock?
When you return to your dock, is it cumbersome to carry your paddleboard to your house or garage each time? Don’t like taking it over the rocks on the shoreline? Don’t want to risk falling or twisting your ankle?
Do you want a way to store your paddleboard conveniently? Wouldn’t it be better to store it right at your dock securely?
PaddleBoard Rack
Why not consider a paddleboard rack from Pier & Waterfront Solutions. The rack mounts directly to your ShoreMaster dock with ease. (The mountings adapt to other brands also.)
It’s simple to use. Place your paddleboard in the slots, and you are ready to go. Secure it and forget it. What could be simpler? The storage rack fits all paddleboards and is an attractive addition to your dock. What could be simpler?
Your board will be ready to go in an instant.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has this paddleboard rack on display. Stop in to see it today.
Call Jerry @ 920-493-4404 for more details or to place an order. Enjoy all that the Door County peninsula has to offer.
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
For an excellent startup article about Paddleboarding please check this out https://www.gilisports.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-stand-up-paddle-boarding
Another Related article –https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/paddleboarding.html
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
May 15, 2019
IS THE WATER LEVEL GOING TO BE HIGHER THIS YEAR?
The water level WILL be higher – by a long shot!
We have many terrific customers. One customer has been following the Bay of Green Bay water conditions for years using government supplied data to ensure accuracy. We rely on Bill A. for his knowledge of current, as well as past, Bay water level history.
According to Bill A.:
Water levels are running very high in comparison to the Army Corp average numbers. The average for May is 580.75 ft. The readings he sees at the monitoring station near Green Bay has been peaking out at 582.47 ft which is 20.64 inches above the predicted average for May. An additional update from Bill A. shows that we are going to set a new record high if we continue to get rain this month.
The low-end numbers are around 581.05 ft which is 3.6 inches above the average for a typical May. Our current water level has been between 7.56 inches to 26.64 inches higher than May of last year (when we are at high tide).
What do all these water level numbers mean?
Storm Damage caused by floating logs
First, you can expect deeper water levels through-out the summer months.
Second, when there are storms, you will see the water reach higher onto your beach along with more turbulence.
Third, with the higher water levels, there is likely to be more floating debris (logs, rafts and floating boats).
What Do Higher Water Levels Mean for Installs?
With near record levels for water depth, it means all docks have to be raised again this year. This helps protect them from the storms.
That’s not a big deal in a normal year. The problem this year is that many docks already had short legs last year.
With water levels nearing historic levels, we have to take a great deal of time at almost every site to change the leg lengths. The extra time required to change the legs out means we are getting far less installs done per day than previously. Shortages in the labor market have compounded the problem. We can’t get enough people to make another crew despite better than average wages.
What can you do?
If your dock is not already installed, please give serious consideration to allowing us to lengthen the legs. In fact, we’ll go a step further and recommend that you contact John directly, (920-493-4405). Give us permission to shorten your dock length this year OR change the leg lengths on your dock, if needed.
Simply by not installing all the sections of the dock, you may avoid the need for longer legs. That’s not a guarantee if the water continues to rise but it may get you through this year.
What Else Can You do?
1. Keep your boat secure on your boat lift. It’s better to have your boat bouncing up and down on the boat lift than floating into your dock or your neighbors’ dock.
2. Keep your possessions higher on the beaches. The breaking waves may come further up on the beach and sweep them away.
3. Check your boat lift cables. Consider replacing any frayed or rusty cables. The added stress of high waves will break already weakened cable. See this post.
4. Keep your boat as high as possible on your lift. At the same time, be sure you don’t hit the top of the cable travel. Be especially careful with electric winches.I
5. If you see logs or large debris washed up on the shore near you, try to move it up to the higher ground to prevent it from floating out again.
6. Check your insurance coverage. SEE this related article.
Thank you Bill A. for providing the information for this post.
For more background about the water levels, see this article.
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this page with them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Our staff is here year-round to assist you.
Feb 8, 2019
Thanks for the great service.
Frank K – Wisconsin
