John T. – Egg Harbor, Door County WI
Great. You guys do a great job on cus(t)omer service. It sets you apart.
John T. – Egg Harbor Wisconsin Door County
WHAT SIZE BOATLIFT DO I NEED? Part 1 of 4
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.
BOAT SAFETY – BEGINS AT THE DOCK – PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS
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.
PWC Jet Ski Lift – Part 2
PWC Jet Ski Lift – Part 2
A PWC Lift is used to protect your Jet ski or PWC from the elements.
In Part 1 of this series we discussed cantilevered and Vertical Lifts. In part 2, we examine two additional PWC lift options for protecting your jet ski.
The Vertical Jet Ski Lift is by far the most popular means of protecting your jet ski. It is especially useful on the Bay of Green Bay because it is the best option for rough water applications. The ability to raise your jet ski up to 50” high is vital whenever you encounter large waves.
However, what about calm water like a river or small inland lake? There is another option available for these situations.
ShorePort PWC lift by ShoreMaster.
The ShorePort is not your traditional “lift” in the sense that it is a drive on PWC lift. There are No cables, No winches, No moving parts and No motors needed. You simply drive on the unit.
ShorePort PWC Lift by ShoreMaster
The ShorePort has a walkway on both sides for easy maintenance and access. ShorePorts are used wherever there is little wave action or where there is significant fluctuation in water depth. The ShorePort PWC lift can fluctuate an unlimited amount because it floats with the water level. Rising water levels in a river after a rainstorm presents no problem for the ShorePort.
Even kids can handle this one. If they can drive a Jet Ski, they can handle the ShorePort PWC Lift.
Is there another type of PWC lift available?
If you have a permanent pier or a concrete pier you could use a “Swinger” or “Tide Tamer” lift. The lift must be mounted to the side of a permanent structure. They raise the jet ski vertically.
Swinger Pier Mounted Lift
The unique feature about this lift is that you have the ability to “swing” the entire jet ski over the top of the pier for storage, refueling or maintenance with little effort. Thus the name.
Swinger PWC Jet Ski Lift
This style of lift cannot be attached to any portable pier or dock.
Basic models come with a winch only, but most people will add a motor for ease of operation.
Single and Double units are available also.
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.
Our staff is always ready to serve your needs year round.
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.
PWC Jet Ski Lift – Part 1
PWC Jet Ski Lift Part 1
PWC Jet Ski lift units are more popular than ever. What does PWC stand for – Personal Water Craft. In this article, we discuss two different types of lifts available to protect your investment.
Summer is fast approaching. We begin to think about boating, our docks, and jet skis. The question arises – what is the right PWC (Jet Ski) lift for me? That depends on where you are.
The ShoreMaster PWC Jet Ski lift is available in (2) freestanding models:
- Cantilever; and
- Vertical
Cantilever Lifts
The PWC cantilever lift does not raise the PWC as high as a vertical lift (28″ vs. 50″). You should use caution with this style of PWC lift as a result. They are ideal for small lakes and rivers that do not fluctuate in depth.
However, our recommendation is not to use this style of lift on the Bay of Green Bay due to its minimal lifting height. Wave action over 12″ can wash the PWS off the lift.
ShoreMaster Cantilever PWC Jet Ski Lift
Vertical PWC Jet Ski Lift
The PWC jet ski vertical lift allows you to get into shallow water (about 6″ depth) and raises your boat higher than the cantilever type. The lift provides excellent protection for your PWC.
The ShoreMaster vertical PWC lift has a lifting capacity of 1,200# and a lifting height of 50”. The 64” inside width handles even the large 3-seaters on the market today.
Vertical PWC Jet Ski Lift by ShoreMaster
The lift can be equipped with a winch tube extension to get the wheel above the dock.
Go a step further and add a remote control motor. This motor takes the place of the handwheel and offers complete ease of operation. Push the button to raise your PWC. It’s as simple as that.
Don’t forget about the PWC walking platforms. They give you complete access to one or both sides of the PWC.
PWC Jet Ski Lift Platforms
Watch for PWC (Jet Ski) Lifts – Part 2 of this series next week.
Where can you find the solution to any boatlift or PWC Jet Ski situation?
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, of course!
PWS is located 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.
Our staff is ready to assist year round.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com with any questions.
