Dec 1, 2020
How to Flush a PWC engine.
PWC Adventures
After a day of use, all personal watercraft (PWC) should be flushed, especially if used in silty or sandy areas. Flushing debris from the engine cooling system and exhaust will help prevent internal corrosion and keep those critical cooling passages running clear. Your PWC will be ready for operation when you are.
You want to continue to enjoy your PWC for years to come – Right?
Here’s how to flush a PWC engine.
Follow these 12 steps for flushing and cleaning a PWC.
This information is limited to an overview only. Remember, always find and follow the instructions for your model before flushing for the first time.
SeaDoo PWC Drain locations
- Locate the flush port(s). You will generally find flush ports on the transom or under the seat. It depends on your model.
- Attach the garden hose to the flush-fitting, but do not start the flow of water. That’s very important!
- Follow your owner’s manual. It may instruct you to idle for 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
- Idle the engine but do not rev the engine. Start the flow of water. Starting the water flow before starting the engine could result in water flowing into the engine through the exhaust system.
- After flushing, turn the water off and disconnect the hose. Now shut down the engine.
- Replace the plug.
Caution
Once done flushing, remember to turn the water off first. Some brands may instruct you to spike the throttle a few times before shutting down the engine to clear water from the exhaust.
Follow Your PWC Owner’s Manual.
These are general instructions. For flushing instructions specific to your model, consult the owner’s manual maintenance section. Can’t find the manual? Check the manufacturer’s website or visit the dealer.
On models with a closed cooling system (most late-model Sea-Doo PWCs), flush only the exhaust.
For other brands and models, flush the exhaust and the engine cooling passages. See the manual for details.
Follow the flushing instructions for your particular brand.
Failure to follow instructions may allow water to get into the engine, leading to corrosion and repairs.
You can flush the PWC while it is on a trailer or a lift, but it must be out of the water.
Want to clean the PWC further?
Find the flush port. Most brands have a flush port on the back of the hull. An alternative is under the seat or in the engine compartment. Check your owner’s manual for the proper location. Some flush ports accept the male end of a garden hose. Others use a snap-in adaptor that screws onto the garden hose. The adaptor would have been supplied with the PWC when it was new. If you don’t have any required adaptors for your model, you can get one from a dealer.
Now it’s time to clean the engine bay.
1. Remove the seat sections and any covers under it to see the engine.
2. Make sure the engine has cooled. Never rinse a hot engine.
3. Raise the bow of the PWC. Remove the drain plug from the hull so that rinse water can exit.
4. Using your water hose, rinse the cooled engine area and the bilge. It’s OK to use your thumb to make a spray of water. Don’t use a nozzle that puts out a lot of pressure. NEVER USE A PRESSURE WASHER. Too much water pressure can force water past the seals on electrical connectors.
5. Use an old towel or rags to wipe off all excess water from areas you can reach.
6. Spray down the engine components with a water-displacing lubricant (PWC dealers offer these or simply use WD-40). The oil will displace water left behind and leave a thin, anti-corrosive film.
How to store a PWC.
Store the PWC with the seat off to let the engine compartment dry completely. You can leave the bow up to facilitate draining. Remember to replace the drain plug before using the unit again. Leave yourself a reminder, like a cloth tied to the handlebar.
Conclusion
PWS has the answers for many of your dock, lift, and boating questions
Call Jerry at Pier & Waterfront Solutions (920-493-4404) for more information.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.”
We have implemented measures to guard the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect.
Please use face masks
PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
Our display yard is OPEN
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number when you call.
We provide estimates by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer. Let’s get back to normal quickly.
What can YOU do to help us?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and phone. When you see our crews on-site, please practice “social distancing.”
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Nov 24, 2020
Should Floating Piers be removed in winter?
Winter can be brutal in Wisconsin. It’s already knocking on the door. What should you do with your floating dock in winter? Will I lose my investment? Should I remove it or leave it in place? Will it get damaged if I leave it in the water? These are all excellent questions.
What should you do with your floating dock in winter?
It depends! It depends on several things. Are you on a pond or in an enclosed area with no ice movement? Then your dock has a chance to survive.
During the winter, there should not be any problem with dock damage. Most people don’t realize this, but there is NO ice under your floats. If you could reach through the ice and put your hand under the float, you would find open water.
The dock is floating on a bed of water throughout the winter. Yes, there is ice all around the sides and under the pier but not under the floats. If the ice does try to squeeze the sides, the floats will push up higher.
Can floating docks survive in winter?
Yes, if certain conditions exist.
Condition 1 and the essential requirement is: There can be NO ice movement in spring. If the ice moves in spring, there is no way to stop damage. You will most likely lose your investment – even on a small pond. Has the ice ever piled up on the shore?
There is one exception to this rule.
On a pond or in a tightly enclosed area where the ice does not pile up, you can leave it in the water. You must, however, remove anything that holds the pier in a firm location. We recommend that before the area freezes over, you move the dock into the center of the pond and loosely tie ropes to keep it there.
Floating Lift stored for winter
By tying the dock off the shore, the pier will move along with it in the winter and early spring. Moving the pier or raft to the center will save your dock from severe damage. 99% of the time, when the dock finally reaches the shore, the ice has melted away.
Condition 2. Waves should not exceed 1 foot. Remember, the dock in the pond’s center is loosely tied, and you don’t want the dock being torn loose.
Condition 3. Remove any “canopy-like” structures, so they do not allow the wind to move the dock.
Condition 4. Do not allow any of the floats to drag on the bottom at the shore. Allowing any floats to contact the shoreline or sit on rocks could destroy the float and dock.
Condition 5. Remove ladders or any other accessories from the water. Do not allow anything to hand down in the water during the winter.
CONCLUSION
Should I remove it or leave it in during the winter?
Follow these conditions, and in most cases, you will be OK.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.”
We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect.
Please use face masks
Because the virus has increased its spread, PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer. We hope everyone will stay safe with these measures, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number when you call.
We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process paperless, faster, and safer. We hope everyone will stay safe with these measures, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews on-site, please practice “social distancing.”
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Nov 3, 2020
Meet the Newest Member of our Sales Team
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.
Oct 27, 2020
Does Shoreline Stabilization Work?
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.
What do I have to gain by stabilization of my shoreline?
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.
NOW for the proof!
Pictures are worth a thousand words!
Have you ever watched riprap in action?
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.
Want to learn more about rip-rip?
Follow this link.
Contact Dave today to get started!
Call 920-905-2588 or email Dave@wisconsinpws.com
Where are we located?
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.
Sep 22, 2020
Fall Colors & Boating
Make the Most of Fall Boating Season
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.
It’s Time to Enjoy Fall Boating
Fading summer daylight is a disappointment to boaters. However, even the Fall can be filled with silver linings.
Nature’s Beauty in Door County is at it’s best in Fall.
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.
Fall Is Less Crowded
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!).
Fall Deals
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!
What to pack when boating in Fall
Bring Extra Blankets
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
Hot Drinks Are A Must in Fall
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.
Don’t forget Lights & Spare Batteries.
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.
What Should You Wear?
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.
Bring Warm, Dry Clothes
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 – Great idea!
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.
PFD Lifejackets
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.
Extra Precautions.
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.
Navigation Charts
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.
Lights and Flares
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.
VHF Radio
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.
Weather
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.
Ample Fuel
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.
Plan Ahead
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.
Alcohol
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.
Must-Have Fall Boating Checks
Starter Battery Pack
Batteries work well during the warmer months but might stop functioning when the weather turns cold. Is your battery fully charged?
Hoses and Fittings
Check to see hoses and fittings are tight. Otherwise, in time, you could run into problems.
Step into Fall
Now Get Out There & Enjoy Those Fall Leaves!
