Feb 5, 2019
WHAT SIZE BOAT LIFT DO I NEED?
A boatlift can come in several styles. In this first of a four-part series, we discuss Cantilever, PWC, ShorePorts, and Track systems.
Each boatlift has a specific way it operates, and the conditions under which it should be used. We’ve narrowed the selections down to (8) different types of boat lifts and PWC lifts used most often in N.E. Wisconsin. The more you know about them the more confident your purchasing decision will be.
Cantilever Boatlift
A cantilever lift is generally suitable if you are on a moderate depth inland lake. If the water depth does not fluctuate more than 12” in a boating season, a cantilever lift may work for you.
Cantilever Boatlift by ShoreMaster
Cantilever boatlifts require more water depth than a Vertical lift – (usually 12” of water versus 6″). The lifting rack does not lower into the water as far as other options. Plus, you still have to allow enough water above the lift rack to float your boat on it.
Additionally, they generally have a lifting height of 30” to 40” which is too low for the bay of Green Bay. What if you have waves of 36” or higher or a water surge. Your boat is in danger of getting washed off the rack.
Due to these limitations, a cantilever boat lift is not used on the Door County Peninsula very often. These limitations also mean the resale value is going to be less.
PWC Lift
Vertical PWC Lift by ShoreMaster
PWC (Jet Ski lifts) come in 2 styles: Vertical and Floating. (We have excluded the Cantilever lifts.)
ShoreMaster’s vertical PWC lifts allow you to get into shallow water and raises your boat 50″ high. It operates in the same fashion as a standard vertical boat lift. It provides excellent protection for your PWC.
ShoreMaster PWC Lift
ShorePort
ShorePort PWC Lift by ShoreMaster
ShoreMaster’s Floating lifts (ShorePort) are excellent on rivers that fluctuate in depth, or marinas and inland lakes. They are very simple to use and need very little water to operate. The floating lift requires no maintenance, and you simply drive up onto it. No need to have a motor or crank a wheel.
Wave action above 15” is not recommended for this type of “boatlift.” Combine a floating PolyDock with the PWC floating lift, for the perfect combination on a lake or river.
Track or Ramp System
Roll-n-Go Boat Ramp
Roll-n-Go PWC Track System
The track or ramp system is still another option. The personal watercraft ramp comes with a 25-foot nylon loop and winch which prevents scratching while loading the PWC. The basic unit measures 11′ long. There are optional 8′ and 30″ extensions to increase the length of your ramp. How about an adjustable 11″ – 14″ width which accommodates even the largest jet skis.
Basic ramps are available with capacities of 750 lb up to 2,000 lb capacity. See Also: http://roll-n-go.com/
The Track system works best when the supports can be anchored into the ground. Without anchoring, the tracks can move by wave action and the result is a twisted frame. These are ideal for inland lakes when only the basic length is needed, as shown above, and the track is secured.
The PWC or boat can be hand operated or a Lift Boss motor option is available.
Lift Boss
In part 2 of this series we discuss three more options: Hydraulic boatlifts, Elevator lifts, and Floating lifts.
Publication Dates
Part 1 of 4 – Cantilever, PWC, ShorePorts, Tracks Feb 5, 2019
2 of 4 – Hydraulic, Elevator Lifts, Floating lifts Feb 12, 2019
3 of 4 – Vertical lifts Feb 19, 2019
4 of 4 – Calculations Feb 26. 2019
Do you have a friend that may be interested in this information? Please share a link to this article with them.
PWS is located at 7325 State 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 1, 2019
Jerry,
Thank you! It is so terrific to have the pier in before Memorial Day. I feel like we are gaining 2 more months to our summer, almost twice the length of use from the past few years! [with a competitor]
Thanks to you and your crew.
Larry S.
Management…. The installers were very nice and did exactly what I asked…..Thanks for the nice installation. Great Crew you had out there!
Ed G, Door County
We appreciate the adjustment made in the pier positioning. We know this as an extra effort but it looks nicer. Please pass along to the crew our thanks
Craig R, Door County
Just a note of thank you for getting this done so quickly. Alex and crew did a very good job with the installation. Weather was perfect. Please put us down for fall removal.
Dan H, Door County
A big thanks to your crew for understanding and being so careful with the placement of the pier! The pier was placed in the water perfectly for this years conditions. Thank you.
Mary M. Door County
Hello. Yes, please install our pier again this spring. You guys did a great job last year!
Scott & Chris M, Door County
Jerry, Thank you for a fantastic job. We really appreciated your pre planning process (measuring old deck and where all items were to go …)
Please feel free to use our recommendation with future customers.
Bob & Doris L. Door County
Jerry,
Thanks so much and to David also- for your prompt response and excellent install of our pier. It all worked out better than I expected. Thanks again.
Have anyone call if they need a reference
Joan P. Ellison Bay Door County
Thank you for the excellent service, your early installation, your recommendation for repairs and it is less expensive than other years. Much Appreciated
Alice S. Sturgeon Bay Door County
Thank you very much. Your crew did a fantastic job, very impressed with your service. I look forward to having your service help us in the spring
Lisa G. Sturgeon Bay Door County
Thanks very much for taking care of our dock. I was in Sister Bay this weekend and was extremely pleased with your handling of this project. Great Work
Betsy R. Sister Bay Door County
We couldn’t be more pleased with your service, Thank you so much
Catherine P. Fish Creek Door County
David,
Your crew did a great job – Thanks Your water machine is great also.
Kathie N. Sister Bay Door County
Dear Jerry, Thank you for getting the pier in.
Janey Door County
Hi Jerry,
I am very happy with the good service this year. Thanks
Alice S. Sturgeon Bay, Door County
Aug 28, 2018
ESD: What is it? Part 1 of 2
ESD, also known as Electric Shock Drowning, is a form of drowning caused by an electric current in the water. Where does the electric current originate? It could be your boat, a malfunctioning charger or lighting system. More on this in Part 2 of this series.
I have a fiberglass boat hull – that should protect swimmers – Right??
Yes, but you also have a motor with a metal prop in the water. As a result, this exposes people in the area of the boat to an electrical shock. The shock is greater as they get closer to the source of the problem.
Why is ESD even more dangerous in freshwater?
In freshwater, electrical current passes through the body paralyzing the body muscles. The strongest, most experienced swimmer in the world will not be able to swim through the current field if this happens.
Is there a warning of ESD?
Yes, there is:
- The victim will feel tingling, numbness, pain, and paralysis. That is the first sign of a problem. The closer they get to the source of the current the stronger the sensations will be – and the more paralyzed they will become.
- Initially, the victim will be able to shout, but if they unknowingly try to swim towards the electrical source, this ability will cease as they become paralyzed.
Still able to communicate
- The ability to “shout” more than once is critical. It is the difference between an ESD, an electrocution victim, and a drowning victim. An electrocution victim may not be able to shout at all. A drowning victim can only shout once or twice before his/her lungs fill with water.
- Typically, if the victim of ESD is not close to the source, he can shout and tell you what is happening. A drowning victim cannot yell as their lungs fill with water.
- Many times the ESD victim looks distressed and not as playful as usual. The muscles will no longer function as normal.
- The situation may turn into drowning once the victim begins to get water in their lungs.
How about Electrocution
- A possible victim will be able to scream, usually only once. The victim’s muscles will cease to function almost immediately.
- There will be a sudden cessation of all activity
- The victim usually rolls on their back with their face out of the water and is not responding if wearing flotation.
- If not wearing flotation, they will likely roll onto their face.
A swimmer in distress
Drowning
- The victim cannot speak or shout
• Reflexive “ladder climbing” with their arms even for an experienced swimmer.
• Looks “playful.”
• Lasts ~60 seconds with an adult and as little as 20 seconds with a child
• Slips below surface
What to do if you suspect an ESD situation
- Keep everyone out of the water – and if they are already in the water – DO NOT allow them to swim back to the dock unless the sensation gets stronger while swimming away from the dock or boat. Remember, the source may be a nearby dock, pump or boat.
- Try to get others in the area to swim away from your dock at least 100 yards and then go to the shore. The electrical current is stronger nearest the source and dissipates as you get away from it.
- Resist the natural impulse to jump into the water to help. You will become a victim yourself. Do NOT jump into the water. Use the Reach, Throw, Row, DON’T GO technique below.
The safest way to help someone in distress
- Protect yourself by using an oar, a float or other non-conducting material to pull the swimmer to safety once the electrical source is shut off See the caption to the right.
- Immediately disconnect all power.
- Take the victim to the hospital to make sure there are no lingering effects that could be dangerous.
In General
Performing CPR if needed
- ESD victims are good candidates for successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
- Learn to perform CPR and maintain your training.
- To retrieve a person in the water, reach, throw, and row, but don’t go.
- Make sure your children understand the importance of not swimming anywhere there could be electricity. Don’t let them roughhouse on docks. Tell them what to do if they feel a tingling or shock in the water (see below).
I want to test for current myself. Can I do it?
Yes, with my digital voltmeter, put the negative lead to a ground, drop the positive lead into the water, if the needle moves, even slightly – you may have AC Voltage in the water. Having an electrician do the testing is the best way
- Have your boat tested once a year to see if it is leaking electricity, or buy a clamp meter and test it yourself. If you find any problems, have your boat inspected by a qualified electrician.
- Have a qualified ABYC electrician install an ELCI on your boat (refer them to the ABYC E-11 Standard) or use an ELCI in the shore power cord. As an alternative, install an isolation transformer on the boat.
- Test the GFCI/ELCI at least once a month or per the manufacturer’s specifications.
- DO NOT do your own 120-volt AC electrical work on a boat or hire an electrician who is not familiar with ABYC standards to do it. Many of the problems that lead to electrical faults result from the differences between shore and boat electrical systems and standards.
- NEVER dive from your boat to work on underwater fittings when it is plugged into shore power.
- DO NOT use common household extension cords for providing shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use shore power cords built to UL standards. Make sure the connections DO NOT touch the water.
If You Have A Private Dock
- NEVER swim within 100 yards of ANY dock using electrical power!
- If you have not electrified your dock or put an AC system on your boat, weigh the risks carefully before doing so.
- Need electricity on your dock – hire a licensed electrician and make sure the wiring meets the requirements in NFPA 303 and NEC 555. If your dock is already wired, hire an electrician to check that it was done properly. Docks are exposed to the elements, their electrical systems should be inspected at least once a year.
- If you normally run a power cord from your house or garage to charge your batteries, make sure the outlet has a GFCI and include an ELCI somewhere in the shore power cord. See part 2 of this series.
- NEVER swim off your dock without shutting down all shore power to the boat and the dock.
- Even if you adhere to all of these rules, nearby docks can still present a shock hazard. Educate your neighbors and work together with them to make the waterfront safe.
What if…
Someone you were with fell out of a boat without their life jacket – Would you know what to do?
- REACH: Hold on to the dock or your boat and reach your hand, a boat oar, a fishing pole, or whatever you have nearby, to the person. Many times these people have a fear of drowning and they will pull you under. Do not touch metal yourself.
- THROW: If you can’t reach far enough, toss things that float for the person to grab.
- ROW: If you’re in a boat, use the oars to move the boat closer to the person in the water, or call out to a nearby boat for help. Don’t use the boat’s motor close to a person in the water; they could be injured by the propeller
- DON’T GO: Don’t go into the water You will become a victim yourself. Call out for help. Never use a metal ladder or stairs to enter the water when there is an electrical problem
Be careful reaching from the boat or dock – If you are touching metal, you may be a path to ground yourself.
In part two of this series, we will explain more about the GFCI and ELCI.
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.
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.
Jan 25, 2018
What causes an Ice Pressure Ridge?
An ice pressure ridge results from a change in temperature which causes the ice to crack.
Ice Pressure Ridge – Door County
This forms a floating sheet of ice. When an area of open water is present the sheet of ice is able to move freely.
Think of an ice cube when you first put it into a glass of water. When exposed to the warmer water the ice cracks at the weakest part.
Where Does the Pressure Ridge Start?
A pressure ridge usually starts a few hundred feet off the shoreline in what would be 2-3′ of water in the summer. Up to this point, the ice is anchored to the bottom of the lake. The ice near the shore remains very stable and does not move from the shoreline.
Water begins at this point under the ice. The water gets deeper as you go out. Much like an ice cube, the ice will “crack” when exposed to pressure from winds or warmer temperatures.
If you have ever been on or near the ice in winter, you have heard the ice “crack”. The wind is generally blowing at these times or the ice may have been exposed to warmer temperatures. The ice builds up pressure at the open-water mark. The ice separates and “cracks”. This sound can travel for miles.
The pressure ridge may form anywhere there is thin or weak ice.
Ice crack before forming an ice pressure ridge – Door County
How does the Ice Pressure Ridge form?
With the ice near the shore securely anchored to the shoreline and the bottom, the floating ice on the outer side of the crack moves away from or along the shore with the wind. If the direction of the winds changes it moves
With the ice at the shore anchored to the shoreline, the floating ice on the outer side of the crack moves away from or along the shore with the wind. When the direction of the winds changes it moves back to the joint or along the joint again.
When the floating ice hits the stationary ice on the shore, pressure builds up and crushes the edges into pieces called “rubble”.
Some of the “rubble” sinks to the bottom due to weak ice under the top layer. This rubble forms the “keel” of an ice pressure ridge. The loose “rubble” continues to accumulate under the main shelf of ice until it hits the lake bottom.
When the “rubble” hits the bottom there’s no place for the “rubble” to go – except vertically. Now the accumulating rubble forms the “sail” on the upper part of the pressure ridge. The “sail” can be anywhere from inches high to 50 feet high depending on the winds and the strength or weakness of the ice.
Ice Pressure Ridge
When the “rubble” hits the bottom there’s no place for additional “rubble” to go – except vertically. Now the accumulating rubble forms the “sail” portion or upper part of the ice pressure ridge. The “sail” can be anywhere from inches high to 40 feet high depending on the winds and the strength or weakness of the ice.
How fast does the Pressure Ridge form?
A pressure ridge usually forms rapidly when the winds are blowing strong and steady. You need to be especially careful when approaching the pressure ridge because you don’t know how much solid ice remains.
Since the “rubble” below has been exposed to non-freezing temperatures, it starts to melt away. This results in a weak and fluctuating joint at the surface. The area around the ice ridge can be very dangerous.
Warning – Thin Ice
Are there other signs of weak ice?
Slow melting ice will result in dark areas which means the water on top and below the ice is melting the ice away. Never go on this type of ice as it is very weak. Be careful around pressure ridges, they indicate the presence of weak ice.
Ever wondered what causes ice shoves?
See our next article on January 30th for an explanation.
Reminder
Pier & Waterfront Solutions specializes in ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and accessories both residential and commercial. We service the rest.
PWS is located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57. Located 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and South of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to assisting you.
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.
