Jun 12, 2018
HOW TO ACCESS A DOCK
Gangways may be the best solution for your dock access problems.
On the Door County peninsula, the wave action is unpredictable. The only thing you can count on is – the waves will be high many times during the summer. You have to be ready for them by setting your dock high out of the water to avoid damage in those storms.
This height presents a problem. In the past, 97% of docks used a ramp to get to the dock height. In this case, the typical ramp was 8 or 10-foot long. 8’ long ramps present a steep angle which is hard for young kids and older adults to navigate.
Due to the low angle provided by a gangway, it is easier to access the dock.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
PWS has provided several different options for docks in the past. The options included – ramps, stairs and now gangways with handrails.
With the rising waters in recent years, we see damage to shorter ramps caused by debris brought in by the storms.
In addition, another problem is decking being torn off the ramp frames by the waves.
GANGWAYS – A BETTER OPTION?
Gangways come in 16’, 20’ and 24-foot lengths. The angle is greatly reduced versus a short ramp. This makes access much easier. Gangways get you away from the washed-up debris in storms.
Gangway off a seawall
If you have a seawall, gangways may allow you direct access to your dock. You may not have to go down to the beach or over the rocks at all. Gangways placed on steep embankments make the descent easier and safer.
At times, to allow access to the beach or dock, permanently mounted steps are attached to the sides of cliffs. In spring, the ice shoves damage the lower sections of the stairway. Attaching a removable or pivoting gangway to the last section can save expensive damage to the steps.
Door County Ice Shove – 2016
Many people have large boulders they must go over to get to the dock.
Gangways over the shore
Gangways can prevent twisted ankles or falls on slippery surfaces.
They are another means to access your deck on the house.
Where can you find the solution to any Dock or boatlift problem?
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 you year round.
Contact us 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.
May 29, 2018
What is the right Boat lift for Me? – Part 1
Purchasing a new boat lift is a very confusing time You have a lot to consider before making your decision. This article will help you make your lift selection easier.
Where will you be using the boat lift?
One factor in your lift selection process is its suitability for the body of water you will be using it on. Will you be on a large bay or lake where waves can be strong? Will it be a river or small lake with minimal wave action?
In NE Wisconsin, Green Bay and Lake Winnebago present unique problems for boaters. These two bodies of water have significant fluctuations in water depth and wave action. Wave action of 3 or more feet added to increasing water depth during a surge will cause significant problems for boaters.
When these two factors combine, you will want a lift that raises high enough to keep your investment from being damaged.
Consider Frame Construction
You need durable frame construction to withstand the boat weight and pressures from the moving water.
ShoreMaster Vertical Boat Lift with welded side frames
Are the side frames all welded construction? Are the side frames simply bolted together? Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive. This results in frame movement over time. Movement results in elongated holes and a weaker frame structure.
What are the Boat Lift Frame Materials?
The most popular boat lifts in N.E. Wisconsin has aluminum frames and stainless steel cables.
What is the Warranty of the frame material?
Boat lifts come with a 1 or 2-year factory structural warranty. Some have a five year, and a few even have a 10-year warranty.
ShoreMaster boat lifts carry a full 15-year structural warranty. This 15-year warranty is the result of the all-welded side frames. Bolts are only used to assemble the side frames to the cross members.
Most brands use bolts everywhere, so shipping is less expensive, but this results in frame movement over time. Movement results in elongated holes and a weaker frame structure.
Your boat deserves the extra protection and strength of a ShoreMaster boat lift.
What type of cable do they use?
Boat lifts today have either galvanized, stainless steel or a combination of both. Stainless steel cables last as much as 2 – 4X longer than galvanized cable. Stainless steel cable is not as strong as galvanized but the manufacturers increase the cable and winch diameters to compensate.
There are limits to the diameter of the cabling used. The winch drum diameter limits the cable diameter. A thick cable wrapping around a small drum flexes the cable unnaturally resulting in premature cable failure.
Boat length, width, and weight?
Consider not only the length, width, and weight of the boat you have now but also the possibility of a larger boat in the future. This may not be the deciding factor in your boat lift decision, but don’t ignore it altogether. It can be the difference between:
- Buying a new boat OR
- Buying a new boat AND a new boat lift.
Manual or Electric operation
Do you want to raise your boat by using the hand wheel or use a motor to do all the work for you? Nature powers most lift motors through a D.C. motor and battery setup.
ShoreMaster Boat Lift with a DC Motor
A.C. versions, while available, require 120 V power at the boat site and need more care to prevent electrical shock.
Resale values
While cantilever boat lifts generally cost less than vertical lifts initially, consider the resale value if you decide to get a larger boat which requires a new lift. Cantilever lifts typically have less resale value because they can be used in fewer applications. Vertical lifts allow you to function in shallower water and raise your boat higher. For this reason, they hold their value more than a cantilever boat lift.
See Part 2 for additional information
Where can you find the solution to any boatlift 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.
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.
May 22, 2018
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.
Apr 10, 2018
CANOPY COVERS JUST GOT A REAL BOOST IN QUALITY
Canopy covers just got a REAL boost in quality. Our supplier, ShoreMaster, finalized the details of a new boat lift canopy cover vendor agreement. PWS has improved canopy cover lead times, and better fabric options for our customers. The new agreement is with the largest canopy cover vendor in the country. It allows us to satisfy your requests for improvements and color selections. At the same time, we strengthen our position as a leader in the boat lift canopy cover market.
ShoreMaster Boat Lift Canopy Cover
Don’t have a ShoreMaster lift?
Don’t worry – we have the same quality canopies for almost every boat lift on the market. Have a ShoreStation, RGC, Porta-Dock boat lift? PWS has you covered!.
The current dynamics of the boat lift canopy cover market requires PWS:
- To be able to provide a high-quality product;
- In an ever-widening array of colors, sizes, and fabric choices; and to
- Do it with incredible speed-to-market.
PWS is excited by the new agreement. It allows us to satisfy our customer’s requests for options and lead time improvements.
The vendor has state of the art technology allows them to meet the market demands faster and with a wider selection. ShoreMaster has begun to offer its new line of canopy cover fabrics immediately to PWS.
Boat Lift Canopy covers by ShoreMaster
What’s different about them?
The new canopy covers will include a new and improved 13 oz. vinyl with a top coat. They are offered in a wide range of popular colors. The cover weighs 30% less than covers supplied by other dealers. Plus, it will improve the quality and strength of the covers.
These canopy covers are much easier to install, remove, clean and maintain. The new cover sacrifices nothing when compared to 18 oz coated fabrics in:
- tongue tear testing,
- UV resistance,
- strip tensile testing,
- grab tensile testing, and
- hydrostatic resistance tests.
In addition, ShoreMaster continues to offer its premium, light-weight WeatherMax canopy fabrics in a wide range of colors. Nothing beats this quality. PWS expects to see improved lead times, better fit and finish, and more options.
More colors, Higher strength, faster delivery – What more could you ask for?
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 want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Mar 20, 2018
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) serves the Door County Peninsula
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) has become the respected name for Docks and Boatlifts in Door County. What do we offer?
- On-time, install and removal services;
ATF # 3 from Pier & Waterfront Solutions
- Year-round maintenance services;
- Marinas
- Free insurance quotes.
- Relocation services for waterfront equipment.
- Replacement lift canopies for most brands
Additionally, Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) offers aluminum & steel welding repair services.
How long has ShoreMaster been providing waterfront equipment?
ShoreMaster Waterfront Equipment & PWS
ShoreMaster has covered the waterfront with world-class equipment for over 40 years. Along with Pier & Waterfront Solutions, they make it easy for people to actually enjoy their waterfront experience.
Is it time for you to call us? We will work hard to earn your business.
ShoreMaster’s complete lineup of products include:
- Residential & Commercial Docks;
- Floating Docks;
- Boat Lifts;
- Jet Ski Lifts;
- Swim Rafts:
- PolyDock Products;
- Canopies;
- Cleats;
- Dock lighting and more
Did we mention a full line of waterfront accessories too?
What other product lines does PWS carry?
As a Full-Service Boat Lift Company PWS offers:
Davit-Master (https://www.davitmaster.com) elevator, boat house & davit lifts;
Hi -Tide (www.hi-tide.com) davit lifts; (see pages 8-11); and
Sunstream Hydraulic lifts (http://www.sunstreamcorp.com/
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) outdoor sign
Pier & Waterfront Solutions specializes in ShoreMaster residential and commercial:
- docks;
- boatlifts; and
- accessories.
We service the other brands.
Where is PWS located?
PWS is located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St Hwy 57. That’s just 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.
Give us a call If you have a dock or boat lift topic you would like to see addressed here,
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
