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.
Oct 20, 2020
Today, we have an introduction for a new employee – DJ (Dave) Meier.
DJ Meier
DJ comes to us from Cottage Grove, WI (near Madison). He has been a valuable asset to our sales team for the past several months.
DJ went to school for Mechanical Design and has worked at several engineering firms in the Madison and Milwaukee area over the years.
Many of you already met DJ from his work in our Shoreline Stabilization (rip-rap) area.
DJ is now a resident of Sturgeon Bay.
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!
May 28, 2020
Is Your Pier Missing a Dock Storage Box?
Is a Dock Storage Box on your summer shopping list? How many times do you walk to your pier, only to kick yourself because you wish you had a storage box? Do you always forget something? Every time you set foot on your dock, do you think of all the equipment you could store in it? Where do you store the life preservers? Wouldn’t a dock storage box be convenient?
What Makes A Great Storage Box?
Unsure of what to look for in a storage or dock box? Are you afraid to purchase one because you don’t know enough about them? Read on to find helpful info about storage boxes. They will make life much easier for you.
Does the Storage Box Have Tight Fits?
Water Laser Cutting Technology, used on the best dock storage boxes, ensures the best fit. This process offers a consistent, precision cut for all the various pieces. This precision makes for a superior fit. Precision cuts and quality hinges fit together better. The box is less likely to suffer from leaks or damage.
Additionally, these dock storage boxes constructed from fiberglass provide a far superior product.
What’s The Alternative?
The alternative, polyethylene (plastic) storage boxes, fade, discolor, and warp in sunlight. As a result, this depreciates its usage and aesthetic value.
Fiberglass dock storage boxes also come with a gel-coat finish to add an extra layer of protection. Like polyethylene dock boxes, the gel-coat finish will oxidize in sunlight. So what’s the difference then? The difference is, you can buff and wax the oxidation off of the box to keep it looking brand new, year after year.
Buffing and waxing increase the durability of the box in the form of scrape and cut resistance. You can buff and wax any imperfections with a rubbing compound and watch them disappear. The process is like cleaning the hull of a boat on a smaller scale.
Do Polyethlene Dock Storage Boxes Have Gel-Coating?
Polyethylene dock storage boxes do not have a gel-coat finish. Once the sun damages the plastic material, it’s impossible to restore the surface to a like-new finish again.
The failure of the polyethylene storage boxes to withstand the sun will cause you to consider buying a new dock box. This type of failure will happen much sooner with a Polyethylene box than if you had chosen a fiberglass dock box initially.
Choose quality first to save time and money.
Assorted Dock storage Box sizes
Dock storage boxes come in many sizes including:
98″ x 22″ x 24.5″ H 85″ x 22″ x 24.5″
72″ x 26.5″ x 27.5″ 74″ x 38″ x 36″
71″ x 22″ x 24.5″ 33″ x 24″ x 18″
44.5″ x 26.5″ x 27.5″ 39.5″ x 19.75″ x 21.5″
Triangular and Low profile versions are also avaiable. Call for more information.
Not enough room to mount a dock box on your dock?
PWS has alternatives including, side mounts, for the boxes.
NEW – this year!
This year PWS has another alternative that was not available in the past. Talk to Jerry about trading your dock for the new 3-Season Pier, which we are now offering.
This new steel dock can handle storms better due to it’s higher weight and the “open” decking we use. Combining these two features makes it the heaviest pier on Green Bay. It has survived installations on Lake Michigan also.
An additional feature is the 4′ x 10′ “L,” which is standard on the 3-Season dock. This allows 16 sq feet more than lesser docks. It makes it easier to mount a dock box, enter a boat lift, and entertain your friends.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
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, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions is staying “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 that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
Is there More?
4. Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can you do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – ARE WE OPEN?
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
Apr 28, 2020
3 REASONS FOR A SHORTER DOCK
The high water again this year means that your dock and boat lift will once again be taking a beating. (see article)
Last year, some people insisted on putting their entire dock in. Additionally, they wanted their boat lifts at the end of the dock. We advised against this, and we will be asking again this year. Why do we recommend this?
THE LEGAL REASON
First, the Legal reason – the DNR restricts a dock from being in water depths deeper than necessary to float a boat. In the past, in some areas, this meant a dock could be 200′ long (with warning lights to alert boaters in the dark).
Even that 200′ dock was legal as long as it did not obstruct boat traffic. If the water levels were shallow, you had to go that far out to launch a boat in some areas.
Today, that same dock could be closer to 100′ (or less) due to the extremely high water.
NOW – THE PRACTICAL REASON
Second, the reason for a shorter dock this year is simple – The water is EVEN HIGHER this year. There is a better chance that your dock and boat will survive the storms.
NEXT, THE FINANCIAL REASON
Finally, do you want to save money as well as reduce the risk of damage to your dock & boat lifts? The cost of installation depends, among other things, on the actual time it takes to install your equipment. Often, fewer sections equate to lower costs.
What’s the alternative to a shorter dock?
Without your agreement, we had to install the full length. If you didn’t agree, we felt we had no choice but to replace the legs with longer legs. We had to do this to compensate for the higher water. But, this route results in higher costs for installation.
Some homeowners took us up on the shorter docks in the hope that the water would go down in 2020. It didn’t! Others opted for lengthening the legs.
From our standpoint, it requires more time to replace the legs with longer ones than to shorten the dock.
So – What Happened?
Some docks did not have longer legs put on, and we installed the entire length. Still, they survived. If this was your dock, feel fortunate.
For those who did NOT allow us to do one of these alternatives, we will be asking you to choose again this year. Remember, the water is even higher this year.
We would prefer to leave one or two sections uninstalled this year. The alternative, we will request that you allow us to put longer legs on your dock. Our goal is simple – we want to limit damage to your dock.
Also remember, with longer legs, your dock may have more “sway” to it. If that happens, we recommend sway braces.
Even with longer legs, we will ask you to move your boat, and jet ski lifts closer to the shore. This will help protect them from the waves. The lifts have limited leg lengths (without getting longer legs). Your boat could pay the price if we don’t use one of these alternatives.
NEW – this year!
This year PWS has another alternative that was not available in the past. Talk to Jerry about trading your dock for the new 3-Season Pier, which we are now offering.
This new steel dock can handle storms better due to it’s greater weight and the “open” decking we use. Combining these two features makes it the heaviest pier on Green Bay. It has survived installations on Lake Michigan also.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
PWS is open for business as usual. Practicing “Social Distancing”? We do business by phone and emails also.
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, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions is staying “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 that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
Is there More?
4. Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can you do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – ARE WE OPEN?
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
