Jul 28, 2020
BARGE UPDATES
Barge updates
The Barge and the Pusher Boat, that moves it around, is unique in several ways. It goes where other local barges can’t go. It’s versatile enough to fit into tight spaces where a traditional barge can’t. Yet, it’s large enough to handle an excavator plus tons of rock and equipment.
In most cases, the Barge floats very close to shore, where it can unload the excavator and materials. For protection during a storm, the jack-up legs raise the entire unit well above the waves.
Each of the (4) cables which raise the Barge are almost the size of a human fist.
The Barge and pusher boat have been in continuous operation since they were launched. The crew has been installing docks, rip-rap, and hauling materials to job sites.
MORE BARGE UPGRADES
Recently, the Barge moved into a sheltered area south of Point Sable at the old Eagles Nest marina for additional updates. You may have seen it there. Upon completion, it immediately got underway to the next job. It’s equipment and the way we use them, constantly evolves.
To date, we have installed more than 1,500 tons (over 3,000,000 lbs) of rip-rap.
WHY IS THE BARGE USED SO MUCH?
The use of the Barge means less damage to landscaping when we do rip-rap work. Many property owners prefer the barge for less obstruction to their property, or when access to the shoreline is not available. Additionally, there is no need to empty boulders from the dump trucks on their property or the road for later dispersal. We’ll find the nearest, suitable location to load the materials and equipment to serve every job.
Once the rip-rap project ends, the excavator and skid steer are loaded back up to immediately move to the next project. By using the Barge, there is no need for the excavator or track-mounted skid steer to travel across a lawn during the project. All work is completed from the shoreline.
Pusher boat
WHAT ABOUT THE PUSHER BOAT?
The pusher boat was made to not only move the barge but it will carry a skid steer and an additional 3 tons of rock at the same time.
FURTHER UPDATES
With one excavator tied up working with the Barge at all times, PWS has acquired two additional excavators and track-mounted skid steers since the Barge came into service.
For more information or to get on the schedule, contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 TODAY – or – fill out this simple quote request FORM.
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 side at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “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.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE ITEM YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays that are available for purchases have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
We provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process faster. With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP OUR BARGE CREWS?
Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. When you see our crews installing rip-rap, be sure to 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!
Feb 18, 2020
A Barge and Pier & Waterfront Solutions
It’s been a busy year for Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS).
So far, we’ve announced the acquisition of:
Today, we have another announcement!
DID YOU REALIZE?
Some Door County homeowners have properties inaccessible to even our equipment. The reason for this is simple – bluffs & cliffs. These prevent us from moving our equipment to the shoreline.
Moreover, large boulders in the water damage our equipment every time. That makes for a costly repair and a significant disruption to our schedule.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE IN THE PAST?
In spite of this, we found a way around the situation.
PWS contracted a barge to transport an excavator to the site. Once the excavator unloads, it can maneuver over the boulders and place the docks in position.
To do this, PWS joined forces with another company. They provided transportation and an excavator, PWS provided the crews, and the jobs were completed. Over time, both companies grew, and it became difficult to coordinate the schedules.
HAVE YOU GUESSED THE SOLUTION YET?
Many of you guessed that the addition of a “Pusher Boat” meant we needed something to “Push.” Today, we announce the addition of a new barge to our growing arsenal of waterfront equipment.
With this acquisition, we have one less schedule to try to coordinate.
At this point, we should show a picture of the latest equipment. Why can’t you see the image?
You don’t see it because the construction of the barge is ongoing. We will post photos here when the barge arrives in March. We are now updating this information. The barge has arrived but is undergoing additional “fitting” to meet our needs. Please continue to watch for a new article sometime in late April.
CAN YOU PICTURE THE BARGE?
The barge is composed of two Commercial barges. We combine them into a single unit to form a 24′ x 45′ x 4′ unit. Despite its size, it will be able to pass through the DePere dam for work on the Fox River.
PWS will also use the barge to transport equipment and raw materials for the shoreline projects.
Needless to say, the pusher boat now has something to “push.”
HOW DOES A BARGE MOVE?
A barge does not have a propulsion system of its own. That’s why we added a “Pusher Boat” (see post) to move the barge.
With the use of the barge, we can reduce the damage to property. Damage sometimes occurs when we move the excavator or raw materials across a lawn.
PWS can also transport materials and equipment to remote construction sites or islands.
HOW TO PROTECT A BARGE FROM STORM DAMAGE.
To help protect the barge from damage during a storm requires “spuds” or a jack-up rig. According to Wikipedia, a barge fitted with moveable support legs can raise the barge out of the water.
The barge is maneuvered into position by the “pusher boat.” Upon arrival, the legs lower into the water to reach the “floor.”
The weight of the barge (45,000 lbs or 22.5 tons), combined with the weight of any cargo or equipment, “pre-load” the system.
The pre-loaded system drives the legs into (or onto) the bottom. A jacking system then raises the entire barge above the water to a pre-determined height or “air gap.”
This “air gap” allows waves or “tide surge” actions to act only on the relatively slender legs, and not on the barge hull.
WHEN DID WE DO ALL THIS WORK?
PWS utilized the off-season to put this all together.
Keep in mind, March will bring even more news! Keep watching for the next announcement.
PWS can solve your problems
PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Our staff looks forward to serving your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
Feb 4, 2020
THE PUSHER BOAT HAS ARRIVED!!
What is a “Pusher Boat”? Read on to find out.
Here’s something we can all agree on – the seasons have changed. Typically, at this time of the year, both the Bay of Green Bay & Lake Michigan are a frozen mass of ice. Not this year.
Here’s an example. This year, the Bay has not frozen over completely. In some cases, even the northern lakes are not safe to travel across. Wisconsin has had unseasonably warm weather so far.
ICE FISHING & ICE SHOVES
People who love ice fishing have seen their dreams of fishing upended. Even walking on the ice is not safe. Some fishing tournaments and charity walks had to cancel or establish a new route due to unstable, thin ice.
Ice shoves had occurred on several inland lakes and the Bay in December and January. Ice shoves usually don’t happen until late February or March as the ice begins to break up.
HERE’S THE BRIGHT SIDE
On the other hand, the warm weather allowed our excavators to continue working on rip-rap and seawalls. There have been only a few delays. (See our newly updated January 7th post and also the January 21st post for more information.)
There have been no real weather-related interruptions even in the typically “coldest” months of the year. Our biggest problem has been a lack of rip-rap. The quarries are having difficulty keeping up with the demand.
TA-DAH!!
WHAT’S NEW?
PWS is expanding into several areas in response to customer demands. The expansion required large investments in equipment and crews.
Here’s our latest news – Pusher Boat
Pusher Boat
The new PWS “pusher” or “tug boat” has arrived. We have yet to mount the motors and “knees,” but, it will be ready for the open-water season in plenty of time.
WHAT IS A “PUSHER BOAT”?
According to Wikipedia – “a pusher craft, pusher boat, pusher tug or towboat is a boat designed for pushing barges or car floats… These vessels are characterized by a square bow, a shallow draft, and typically have “knees,” which are large plates mounted to the bow for pushing barges of various heights.”
Have we “wet” your appetite for more information? Follow this link for additional information. The new services keep coming!
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in:
- ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and jet ski lifts;
- Lift Boss boat lift motors;
- Accessories for docks and lifts;
- Marina construction and repairs; Plus
- NEW!! Shoreline erosion control and waterfront work
PWS can solve your problems
PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles to the south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Our staff looks forward to serving your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work