Welcome! Whether the endeavor is reaching for the stars, or producing the
best piers on the water, the way to achieve your goal is always the same:
start with a winning strategy and then execute it perfectly. That is what we
do every day at Port-A-Pier. Our piers are the best on the water - we make
certain of it. There are no other pier manufacturers that expose their
products to the torture and abuse of rough water bodies like Port-A-Pier.
We have done it, learned from it, and will continue to improve upon it. The
knowledge we gain through every storm is immediately transferred into the
new products you buy And as a result, the quality and longevity of our
products are incomparable and unbeatable.
There is an image, feeling, and respect that comes with owning the absolute best. It is the looks of awe that
develop when people look from the water and see what kind of pier you have. It is the confidence you will have
knowing that anytime anyone steps onto your pier, they will feel safe and secure. It is the feeling of relief you
have after making the right decision by going with one of our incomparable and unbeatable products. From our
maintenance free galvanized steel frames, to our environmentally friendly recycled plastic decks, Port-A-Pier
builds the strongest per unit weight, safest, longest lasting, and beautiful, dock on the water. Whether looking
for a small pier to be used on an inland lake, or think no pier can possibly withstand your turbulent waterfront,
we do have a pier to fit every need. On behalf of everyone at Port-A-Pier, thank you for taking the time to look
over our products and available services.
Rough Water Piers
Commercial Rough Water
Residential Rough Water
Anchoring System
Commercial Rough Water Stationary Pier
Designed specifically for state and county parks, marinas, and condo associations, Port-A-Pier’s
Commercial Rough Water Stationary Pier combines strength and longevity with increased
functionality. The same proven galvanized steel, double strengthened, trussed framework used
in our Residential Rough Water Stationary Piers are also used in our Commercial Rough Water
Stationary Piers. This ensures your pier will withstand even the worst storms. Also, with the
same decking configurations used on our Residential Rough Water Stationary Piers, our
Commercial Rough Water Piers eliminate annual maintenance requirements and boost safety
with a non-skid, non-abrasive surface.
To make certain our Commercial Rough Water Piers meet their design objectives of
withstanding turbulent waterfronts, Port-A-Pier has developed a variety of advanced
anchoring methods. These anchoring methods adapt our Commercial Rough Water
Stationary Piers to a number of lake bottom applications including concrete, blacktop, sand,
and small or broken stone. In addition, Port-A-Pier has developed an innovative positive lift
anchoring system which prevents our piers from sinking in mucky areas.
Along with these characteristics, Port-A-Pier’s Commercial Rough Water Piers are ADA compliant,
offering wheelchair accessibility plates, hand railings, and wood or plastic kick boards. Fascia
skirting is also offered as means of preventing boats from becoming scuffed and children from
playing on the framework. Finally, fishing stations and benches are also available to provide a
means of support and relaxation to the users of our docks. Besides being able to withstand the
worst rough water storms, our Commercial Rough Water Stationary Piers ensure incomparable
longevity and unbeatable functionality in a zero maintenance purchase package.
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Residential Rough Water Stationary Pier
Port-A-Pier owners enjoy confidence and security whenever a storm rolls in because our
piers have been tested and proven to withstand Lake Michigan’s worst storms. Throughout
more than forty years of research and development, our icon, the Residential Rough Water
Stationary Pier, has been molded into the strongest per unit weight dock on the market.
Engineered to the nth degree, Port-A-Pier’s steel, dual strengthened, trussed framework
leaves the competition in a tangled mess onshore. After fabrication, the entire frame is hotdipped galvanized to ensure longevity and eliminate maintenance. A variety of decking
options are available including the traditional pressure treated wood, or the environmentally
friendly recycled plastic.
A variety of advanced anchoring methods have also been developed to ensure even
the worst storms will not knock our piers out of the water. These anchoring methods
allow our Residential Rough Water Stationary Piers to be installed in a number of
locations including sand, small and broken stone and shelf rock. In this high-paced,
high-tech world, many pier manufacturers depend solely on computers when
designing their products. However, at Port-A-Pier, we have learned computers deal in
theory and can only simulate the data that has been input. Although we do have CAD
capabilities, at Port-A-Pier we believe that rough water abuse is one of the best ways
to test our products’ strength and engineered characteristics. We use a combination
of both during development of every product to ensure that our customers will not only
have the gratification of owning the absolute best, but also the super-structural integrity
built in, to confidently battle rough water.
Aside from these characteristics, Port-A-Pier is also an environmentally conscious corporation. Our solid plastic decking is made
from recycled plastic bottles and incorporates a non-skid, non-abrasive knurled surface. It carries a ten-year manufacturing
guarantee against chipping, splintering, cracking or peeling. Moreover, it is impervious to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Port-A-Pier’s
Residential Rough Water Piers are easily installed and removed annually preventing the accumulation of stagnant water that
occurs on more costly crib or sheet-pile permanent piers. Finally, when comparison shopping for a dock, NEVER discount
storms per dollar. Simply divide the number of storms your pier has withstood by its price. When it comes to bottom line value,
nothing beats a Port-A-Pier.
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Anchoring System
A trying 2011 removal season, with an 80 mph wind storm in Door County, has motivated us to acquire
drilling equipment for our anchoring system. Currently, every Port-A-Pier has an option to be anchored to
the lake bottom. Mooring systems, boatlifts, rafts, and competitors’ piers can also be anchored using this
system. Please note that competitors’ piers may not be able to withstand the resistance from the
anchoring system mixed with the turbulent water from Mother Nature’s fury.
Our Anchoring systems works as follows:
1.
Drill a 4’ deep hole into the lake bottom
2.
Insert a ribbed tube into the drilled hole
3.
Fill tube with grout – this will also fill into the lake bottom
4.
Connect chain to secure pier/boatlift/mooring system
5.
*Disconnect chain for winter removal
With each pier, boatlift and mooring system anchored to the lake bottom, even the worst wind storms will
not effect your waterfront products. For more information on the anchoring system, please contact one of
our sales associates.
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Permanent Pier & Permanent Boatlift
New Permanent Pier
Existing Permanent Pier
New Permanent Boatlift
New Permanent Pier
The permanent pier will eliminate the annual expense of installation and removal along with waiting for service due to bad
weather, equipment failure or product shortage. Due to the excessive snowstorms in Spring 2011 and a delayed install season,
the permanent pier stays in all year long, allowing usage of your pier before Memorial Day Weekend and long past Labor Day
Weekend. Permanent Piers were designed for Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay seasonal weather.
Advantages to our Permanent Pier over the Competitor:
Ramp section is placed on shore near the water line to limit excessive cost
12” galvanized steel frame with additional welded cross braces
6” galvanized pipe straps 12” long bolted to 12” structural cross supports
8” holes drilled into lake bottom approximately 6’ deep every 20’
6” galvanized schedule 40 pilings drilled, plated, set, and grouted in place
6” galvanized pilings clamped in place for easy water level adjustment
6” galvanized pilings located outside main pier walkway allowing more walking surface
6” galvanized piling system will not rust
6” galvanized piling are cut 4’ above deck surface
All pier sections are bolted to 12” structural cross braces
Recycled plastic decking absorbs impact compared to concrete and maintains color
over time
2” x 12” treated wood fascia
36” long vertical rubber bumpers
No exposed power or water lines
8’ x 20’ end section placed perpendicular to shore at deep end of pier
4,000 – 8,000 lbs. boatlifts attach easily to both sides of end section
Boatlifts raise 24” above deck level
PWC lift and end section does not block view of the bay
Designed to withstand “Act of God” ice shoves with minimal damage
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Competitor’s Permanent Pier
Port-A-Pier’s Permanent Pier
Existing Permanent Pier
The permanent pier will eliminate the annual expense of installation and removal along with waiting for
service due to bad weather, equipment failure or product shortage. Due to the excessive snowstorms in
Spring 2011 and a delayed install season, the permanent pier stays in all year long, allowing usage of your
pier before Memorial Day Weekend and long past Labor Day Weekend. Permanent Piers were designed for
Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay seasonal weather.
Advantages to converting an existing pier to a permanent pier:
No annual pier installation or removal
Utilize existing galvanized pier with recycled plastic deck
6” galvanized pipe compared to 1.5” or 2”
Adding 6” galvanized I-beams, U-bolted to frame
Use existing side extension
Add new end extension if permanent boatlift is in future
All existing Port-A-Pier accessories are attachable
The process for installation is as follows:
Install existing Port-A-Pier
Locate and drill holes 6’ deep in lake bottom
Insert galvanized, steel pipes into lake bottom
Secure galvanized steel pipe to permanent pier
Pump grout through pipes filling holes to secure
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New Permanent Boatlift
Currently, we offer permanent boatlifts that attach to either side of the pier. Attaching to either side of the pier allows protection
from the pier to minimize storm effect and protect boats against wave action.
Advantages of a Permanent Boatlift:
No annual pier/boatlift installation or removal
Raises boat 24” above deck surface
Maximum bay view with perpendicular position
Attaches to either side of end extension
Utilize existing galvanized 6” pipes for support
Has two winches with motors and remote control
Has a synchronizing/leveling system
The process for installation is as follows:
Connect boatlift arm pivots to opposing 6” pipes
Connect the bunks to the lift arms
Connect winches to lifting pipes
Connect the stabilizing system to the pivots and bunks
Cycle up and down
Manually adjust lift arm synchronization
Insert boat
Available Options:
Electronically set down stop, up stop, and motor synchronization
Side Guides
Motor Stop
Canopy
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Floating Piers
Commercial Floating
Residential Floating
Floating Pier Accessories
Commercial Floating Pier
In addition to our Commercial Rough Water Stationary Piers, Port-A-Pier also offers flex-resistant Floating Piers for commercial
applications including state and county parks, marinas, and condo associations with mild wave action, deep-water depths, extreme
water fluctuations, and flood plane potentials. Our floating piers incorporate steel welded, doubled strengthened, flex-resistant,
trussed frames, completely galvanized after fabrication to eliminate any maintenance requirements. In addition, our EPA and DNR
approved polystyrene-filled polyethylene rotocast floats, ranging in capacity from 800 lbs. – 2,500 lbs., and our non-skid, nonabrasive solid plastic decking, secured with stainless steel carriage bolts, reduces maintenance costs while analogously
safeguarding the environment.
Similar to our Residential Floating Piers, we have developed shoreline-to-pier interfaces for our Commercial Floating Piers. These
interfaces prevent costly preparations prior to installation and allow us to secure our floating piers to a variety of shorelines including
blacktop and concrete launch ramps, sand, dirt, large and small stone, mucky areas, and existing concrete or steel walls. Not only
do these shoreline-to-pier interfaces prevent costly preparations, they also make installation and removal an extremely rapid
process. More importantly, our interfaces eliminate the feeling of “walking the tightrope” that so many other floating piers are known
for. Our Commercial Floating Piers are ADA compliant, offering galvanized wheelchair accessibility plates, hand railings, and plastic
or wood kick boards. In addition, fascia side skirting is also available as a means of preventing boats from becoming scuffed on the
framework. Moreover, Port-A-Pier has developed an innovative slider stabilizer system that ensures a free floating pier while
preventing uni-directional sway. Finally, off-deck fishing stations and off-deck benches promote less pier sections purchased while
providing increased usable deck space. This allows pier users a means of support and relaxation.
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Residential Floating Pier
Feeling like you are “walking the tightrope” is not what we at Port-A-Pier believe should happen as you step onto a
floating pier. Unfortunately, this is the case with the products of many other floating pier manufacturers. With the same
technology used to develop our unbeatable Rough Water Stationary Piers, Port-A-Pier has developed a revolutionary
floating pier frame that is completely flex resistant. These floating pier frames consist of completely welded, double
strengthened, trussed super structure, capable of withstanding two 30’ boats, 15,000 lbs. each, tied up in 30 mph winds,
with 3’ non-cresting swells. In addition, after fabrication the entire frame is hot-dipped galvanized to ensure longevity
and prevent annual maintenance requirements.
Port-A-Pier’s Residential Floating Piers ensure constant pier-to-boat relationship will be maintained through extreme
water fluctuations, deep-water depths, and flood panel potentials. In addition, our EPA and DNR approved
polystyrene-filled polyethylene rotocast floats, ranging in floatation capacity from 800 lbs. – 2,500 lbs., are durable,
dependable and will not rust or corrode. Furthermore, Port-A-Pier has developed several shoreline-to-pier interfaces
that eliminate the need for costly, prior installations, such as concrete and steel walls. Our interfaces readily adapt to
existing shoreline and lake bottom applications including sand, dirt, large and small stone, mucky areas, concrete walls
and steel sheeting. From our redefinitions of luxury, safety, and strength, while analogously eliminating the feeling of
“walking the tightrope”, it is no wonder all other floating pier manufacturers are simply second best.
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Floating Pier Accessories
Self Adjusting Stairway
Frame Tie System
3” Spud Pipe with Slider Stabilizer
Pelican Pipes
4” Tee Beam with
Urethane Slider
Helix/Chain/Cable
For more information about any products listed above, please contact one of our sales associates.
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DNR / Municipal
Launch Ramp Piers
Fishing Piers
Fishing Pier Accessories
Launch Ramp Pier
For our launch ramp piers, Port-A-Pier uses the same structural design and floats as the floating piers.
Port-A-Pier can utilize existing DNR concrete abutments, but has developed our own launch ramp-to-pier
interfaces, allowing us to secure a pier to concrete, gravel, black top, or dirt launching surface. These
existing DNR concrete abutments consist of shore mounts, where six 2” pipes are augered into the launch
ramp’s shoreline, or six widgets secure a launch ramp mount to the existing concrete launch ramp. Our
floating DNR pier pins onto our mounting systems, making installation and removal an extremely rapid
process. More importantly, our launch ramp-to-pier interfaces eliminate the feeling of “walking the
tightrope” that so many other floating piers are known for.
Also, our ADA launch ramp piers come with galvanized wheelchair accessibility plates, and recycled
plastic or treated wood tow boards. Our 30’ launch ramp piers can fluctuate from varying water levels, up
or down 18” and still be ADA compliant. Moreover, Port-A-Pier has developed an innovative slider
stabilizer system that ensures a free floating pier while preventing uni-directional sway for piers longer
than 36’.
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Fishing Pier
Port-A-Pier offers flex-resistant fishing piers for DNR and Municipal applications including state and county parks with mild wave
action, extreme water fluctuations, or flood plane potentials. Our fishing piers incorporate steel welded, double strengthened, flexresistant, trussed frames, completely galvanized after fabrication to eliminate any maintenance requirements. In addition, our EPA
and DNR approved polystyrene-filled polyethylene rotocast floats, ranging in floatation capacity from 800 lbs. to 2,500 lbs. with our
non-skid, non-abrasive solid plastic decking, reducing maintenance costs while analogously safeguarding the environment.
Port-A-Pier can utilize existing DNR concrete abutments, but has developed our own fishing pier interface, allowing us to secure our
shore mount, consisting of six 2” pipes augered into the shoreline, gravel, black top, or grass. Port-A-Pier also has a torsion
mounting system in site specific areas allowing the fishing pier to stay in permanently year round. Our fishing pier pins onto our
mounting systems making installation and removal an extremely rapid process. More importantly, our fishing pier interface
eliminate the feeling of walking on tied rafts that so many other floating piers are known for. Also, our ADA fishing piers come with
galvanized wheelchair accessibility plates, and deck matching recycled plastic of treated wood tow boards. Our 30’ launch ramp
pier can fluctuate from varying water levels up or down 18” and still be ADA compliant. Moreover, Port-A-Pier has developed an
innovative slider stabilizer system that ensures a free floating pier while preventing uni-directional sway for piers longer than 36’.
Finally, off-deck fishing stations and off-deck benches promote a cost save by purchasing less pier sections while providing
increased deck space. This allows pier users a means of support and relaxation.
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Fishing Pier Accessories
Our fishing piers offer site-specific torsion systems, wheel kits for easy installation/removal, and non-skid, non-abrasive solid
plastic decking, secured with stainless steel carriage bolts, which reduces maintenance costs while analogously safeguarding the
environment. Our torsion system has a fixed center position, allowing your pier to shift with the winter ice. The sun heats up the
black float, melting the ice, allowing the pier back to its original position. The torsion system temporarily stores the energy from
the ice expansion, avoiding float frame and anchoring system damage. Along with our torsion system, we also offer wheel kits.
Port-A-Pier’s wheel kit, located at the deep end of the pier, allows the customer to lift the shore end of the floating pier with a strap
and lifting device such as, a small tractor. Remove two pins, back the tractor away and pull the pier out of the water, storing on
shore. In spring, reverse the process for installation. All of the following off decks products are made with matching deck
materials, recycled plastic or treated wood, and promote a cost save by purchasing less pier sections while providing increased
deck space; off-deck corner fishing stations, off-deck fishing stations, off-deck corner benches, off-deck straight benches.
All of our floating piers including fishing piers are not only designed to comply with ADA, but also excessive water level changes.
As seen in the pictures below, this pier was designed to withstand a 30’ water fluctuation (right), and go back to the original water
level (left) once the water receded.
Water level 6’
higher than
normal
Water level
22’ higher
than normal
In 2012, new ADA regulations include IBC (International Building Code), and OSHA regulations, state a 4” sphere cannot pass
through any railing, bench, or fishing station except for a 9” gap between fishing stations. The top of the inner hand rail cannot
exceed 34” off the deck, and the top railing should be located at 42” off the deck.
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Inland Lake Piers
Port-A-Pier owners enjoy a level of luxury and workmanship never thought possible in a pier. Because we
are aware that our rough water or floating piers may not be as cost effective for all situations, we have
developed an Inland Lake Pier for smaller lake and river residential applications with minor wave action.
The same goals for strength and zero maintenance that have been achieved with our other products have
also been incorporated into our Inland Lake Piers. Each of the 96” long sections consist of a strong, but
lightweight, single rectangular steel tubing framework and two 48” removable deck panels. Like the
Rough Water and Floating piers, the steel framework is hot-dipped galvanized, for zero maintenance.
In addition to the longevity and zero maintenance, these models also feature design flexibility, allowing
you to create a pier that will accentuate your waterfront.
Pier Accessories
Along with our main line products, Port-A-Pier offers a vast assortment of accessories that can be easily
adapted to your pier. For information on our Trackless Dolly System, please click on the link below. If you
would like more information about the other products listed below, or other accessories, please contact
one of our sales associates.
Bench
Corner Bumper
Boat Bumper
Cleat
Ladder
Kayak Racks
Side Extension
Trackless Dolly System
Trackless Dolly System
Back the Trackless Dolly System into the water using a hand held remote. Drive your boat onto the dolly
system and ride it out of the water. Your boat is pulled completely on shore, where storms cannot affect it.
The pneumatic tires fitted to the Dolly System allow it to step over a variety of rocky shorelines. The bow
stop and side guides are cushioned to prevent damage to your boat. In addition, the carpeted bunks give
the hull of your boat a safe, constant surface to rest on. Moreover, the torsion sensitive winch and pulley
mechanism are secured to the shoreline, thus eliminating annual installation and removal cost.
Our revolutionary trackless boat dolly system specifically designed for personal watercraft, as well as units
for use with 15’-19’, 20’-24’, and 25’-29’ boats, assists customers who struggle to secure their boats
during rough water conditions and in areas of fluctuating water levels. It will eliminate the cost associated
with owning a boat, including trailers, launch and slip fees, boatlifts and piers. Each of the systems is
designed to be used on rocky shorelines and areas with grades of up to 20%.
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Vendors
Along with selling our products, Port-A-Pier is also a dealer for the following products: Big Rivers LTD, Lift
Boss, Lift Tech Marine, Porta-Dock, Shoreline Industries, ShoreMaster, and SunStream Boatlifts. For
more information on the following products, please click on the link below. If Port-A-Pier does not have
the product you are looking for in stock, we can custom order any product from the vendor’s listed below.
Big Rivers, LTD
Shoreline Industries
Lift Boss
ShoreMaster
Lift Tech Marine
SunStream Boatlifts
Porta-Dock
Service
For customers that choose not to install and remove their piers themselves, Port-A-Pier offers a quality installation and
removal service. Multiple three-man crews run through spring, summer, and fall, installing and removing piers. Why
dodge dangerous wind and weather conditions while struggling to install and remove your pier? Instead, let one of PortA-Pier’s highly trained crews tackle the job for you.
Our service technicians are always ready and willing to seek, assess, and resolve any situation that may arise.
Furthermore, with over forty years of experience in the marine industry, we have the equipment and knowledge
necessary to efficiently and professionally complete every given task. Commitment and reliability are essential in any
relationship, whether personal or professional. With this in mind, Port-A-Pier has offered its installation and removal
service since the company was founded. We believe that our relationships with our customers should not end after
they purchase one of our piers, but instead, should continue to blossom over the years as they continue to enjoy our
products.
Battery & Boatlift Service
Service Fleet
Battery & Boatlift Service
In order to make sure your battery is in good condition for the upcoming spring and summer season, PortA-Pier now offers a battery and boatlift care program. When your boatlift is removed in fall, your boatlift
battery will be taken and stored at our Brussels facility through winter, until the following spring installation
season, when it will be reinstalled.
During winter storage, our service technicians will perform preventive maintenance on your battery. This
includes desulfating, checking distilled water levels, documenting voltage and charging your battery
monthly.
When spring approaches and your boatlift is ready for installation, our service technicians will install your
battery, check your boatlift pulleys, look at each cable for frays, and make sure the boatlift is level and
properly operating.
Prices for these services range from $75.00 - $150.00. Call our Brussels facility for specific pricing.
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Service Fleet
Servicing a pier is no easy task – which is why we take our job and our equipment seriously. Since
Port-A-Pier opened its doors in 1970, we have been constantly finding new ways to develop
equipment that effectively and efficiently gets the job done. Today we have six service trucks, five
trailers, four all-terrain forklifts, two booms, one barge and one pontoon boat, all ready and willing to
help our customers solve their toughest waterfront problems. For more information on these units,
please click on the links below:
Service Trucks & Trailers
A.T.F.s
Watercraft
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Service Trucks & Trailers
Port-A-Pier’s six diesel trucks are stocked and ready for service seven days a week. These trucks house
all of the necessary tools for our crews to service any type of pier and holds miscellaneous pier
replacement parts. The truck bed is customized by our service department to accommodate for bigger
tool boxes and hauling our equipment. Each truck is equipped with an on-board computer, allowing crews
to properly service each customer.
Port-A-Pier has a 30’, 38’, 49’ trailer, and a 24’ enclosed trailer ready to haul our products to their final
destination. Able to carry up to 65’ of pier and 25,000 lbs., our trailers provide us with the tools we need
to complete each service in every season.
Designed by Port-A-Pier in 1980, the boom is a self-contained lifting apparatus. Before its invention, our
crews consisted of five men, a service truck, and will-power. Capable of lifting up to 5,000 lbs., this piece
of equipment was the beginning of the revolution for our service department. However, because many of
our customers have limited access to their waterfront, the boom is only beneficial at sites with an easy
access. The boom doubles as a trailer, allowing our crew to carry floats or other products to a
customer’s site. The boom sets up in minutes and simply plugs into the front of a service truck, allowing
the crew to operate the WARN 7,000 lbs. winch. Great for marina applications, the boom continues to
assist our crews in the installation and removal of our customer’s piers.
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All Terrain Forklifts
Our All-Terrain Forklifts (ATFs) let our crews combat the most difficult landscape and rough water to safely
install and remove your piers. The ground-to-engine distance of the ATFs allow our crew to move any
product in water up to 4-1/2’ deep. The suspension system allows for traveling over any terrain with safety
and ease. The use of this equipment has lead to efficiency and accuracy of installation and removal of your
product.
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Watercraft
Designed by Port-A-Pier in 1995, the barge weighs 22,000 lbs. and is capable of lifting up to 7,000 lbs. At
45’ long and 10’ wide, this piece of equipment is designed to go in water as shallow as 1’. The barge’s twin
330 horse engines allow speed of 38 mph in less than 8 seconds. In addition, the barge is capable of
making its own safe harbor, reach heights of over 8’. The barge allows our crew to gain access to
waterfront areas which were not possible before. The bow thruster allows the crews to maneuver this piece
of equipment from side to side giving them more accuracy and precision when handling pier sections. The
Grove 77 Crane combined with the surface drive propulsion allows the barge to handle any type of job in
areas with limited accessibility for our equipment.
The latest addition to our fleet is the pontoon boat. Purchased in 2007, it measures 24’ in length and carries
a 70 horse power motor. This piece of equipment was purchased for the sole purpose of assisting our
crews in the installation of our latest anchoring system. The crews also use the pontoon boat to gain
access and deliver new product to areas with restricted shoreline and waterfront access, where the barge
and ATF’s could not go.
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Manufacturing & Custom Fabrication
Whether the product requires top quality craftsmanship or a quick turn around, our manufacturing department
completes each task without hesitation. Our guys spend their days custom building every pier section that is
delivered to our customers. To these gentlemen, there is no such thing as a standard pier section. Their
attention to detail provides you with a pier that will outlast any other pier product on the market. Without
question, Port-A-Pier builds the strongest per unit weight, safest, longest lasting and most beautiful docks on
the water. However, in consideration of the wide range of individual waterfront needs and conditions that
exist today, Port-A-Pier has also developed a Custom Fabrication Service.
Many other pier manufacturers are
concerned with simply moving a standard
product. Port-A-Pier, on the other hand,
understands that mass produced docks may
not be functional for all applications and
therefore are able to adapt our product to
any waterfront conditions. Furthermore,
because of our many years of experience,
we are able to examine your shoreline
needs upon request, and fabricate a
completely custom system of long lasting,
dignified beauty. We pride ourselves in
utilizing the existing environment for the
project as well as our quest for doing things
right the first time to avoid costly
reconstruction charges
History
On a family vacation to Eli, Minnesota in 1970, the potential for a pier business was realized. William Paulson,
along with his parents, Walter and Betty, and two of his sons, William and Rick, were enrolled in a fishing
competition. While standing on a creaking and cracking worn dock for 12 hours, Bill thought to himself, “there has
to be a better way.”
Not much earlier that year, Bill and his sons were visiting Walter and Betty’s cottage in Sand Bay, Wisconsin.
Walter had purchased a pier to allow him an easier means by which to fish. About three to four times a summer,
Bill and his sons would make the 1-1/2 hour drive up to Sturgeon Bay from their home in Manitowoc to reinstall the
pier that had been so easily washed away by the rough waters of Green Bay.
As he and his family were packing up their things the last night in Minnesota, Bill
spotted a man across the lake driving an old Chevrolet pick-up truck into the water.
He then saw the man, dressed in overalls, get out of his truck and attach what looked
like a frame of an old crane sitting in the water to the front of it. With this, the man got
back in his truck and backed out of the water, pulling a removable dock out with him.
Bill, after seeing this, and knowing in his mind that there had to be a better way of
building piers, drove over and talked to the man. It turned out that the man was a
retired farmer, and in his retirement enjoyed a private business of building docks for
residential applications. Bill told his elder, “I like what you’re doing with these
removable docks and I think you have a good product. Would you mind if I started
building and selling piers like this in Wisconsin?” The man obliged, and through a
gentlemans agreement the rights were given to Bill. Thus, out of the shimmer of the
setting sun that day in 1970, Port-A-Pier was born.
When Bill returned home, he told his wife Bonnie and the rest of his seven children about what had happened in
Minnesota. Rick penned the original design in two copies, one for use in production, the other sealed to this day in
an envelope Bill and Bonnie mailed back to themselves to ensure validity in the designs. In fall 1970, the first 24’
Port-A-Pier prototype model was completed.
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History Continued
1971 brought with it the construction of two additional piers. The first piers
had a towing hitch attached to the front and they were sandblasted and
painted safety yellow. These piers had the option of having a white
painted or stained cedar deck.
Through the years, modifications were made to the frames to improve the
structure, maintenance and overall appearance of the piers. The frames
were no longer sandblasted and painted, but instead were galvanized to
ensure longevity. Analogously, at about the same time the traditional
cedar deck was replaced with maintenance free, recycled, white plastic
decking and the zinc nails were replaced with stainless steel carriage
bolts. In addition, Floating and Inland Lake piers were also developed.
There was one thing however, that did not change – the pride in
craftsmanship, which resulted from a father and his sons building every
component from scratch.
In 1993, Bill’s son, Rick Paulson, purchased the business from his parents
and formed a corporation. Although Rick’s title is C.E.O., Chairman of the
Board, and President, it scarcely touches upon the extent of his actual
involvement in Port-A-Pier. Unlike other C.E.O.s in the pier manufacturing
industry, Rick is hands-on, every step of the way. Whether it be meeting
and spending time with customers to answer questions and resolve
problems, or sitting at a CAD station designing a new component, Rick is
always there insisting on ultimate quality. This type of personality and a
fuel for innovation, leaves new and current clients feeling secure and
confident about their future with Port-A-Pier.
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Customer Support
For our customers convenience, we have uploaded the Customer Information Sheet, Pier Quotation Request,
and Boatlift Quotation Request forms. The Customer Information Sheet is used to enter your information if you
are a new customer, or to update your information if you are a current customer. If you are a new or current
customer and would like a quote, please fill out as much of the Pier or Boatlift Quotation Request form as
possible. This will help our sales associates determine the best products for your waterfront. When submitting
a quotation request, please allow for response within two business days.
Customer Information Sheet
Pier Quotation Request
Boatlift Quotation Request
Contact Us
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (CST)
Closed Sunday
Brussels Facility
Manitowoc Facility
Sales, Service, & Finance
9580 Rica Lane (Hwy D)
Brussels, WI 54204
Phone: (920) 825-7474
Toll Free: (877) 825-7475
Fax: (920) 825-7478
Engineering & Manufacturing
2212 South 35th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Phone: (920) 682-4908
ESP Line: (920) 682-8737
Fax: (920) 682-8754
Directions to Brussels Facility
Directions to Manitowoc Facility
Brussels Directions
To Brussels from Manitowoc
1.
Take Hwy 57 North (towards Sturgeon Bay, WI) from I-43
2. Turn Right onto County Road C
3. Turn Left onto County Road D
4. Follow County Road D (up hill, around curve to left)
5. Take road to left on bottom of hill (Rica Lane)
6. Turn Right off Rica Lane into driveway
To Brussels from Door County
1.
3.
Take Hwy 42/57 South (towards Green Bay)
2. Turn Left onto School Road
Turn Right onto County Road/Misere Road
4. Turn Right onto Rica Lane
5. Turn Right into driveway
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Manitowoc Directions
To Manitowoc from Sturgeon Bay
1. Take I-43 South (towards Milwaukee, WI)
Take Exit 149 for US-151 S WI-42 (Menards on right)
3. Turn left at top of off-ramp (Calumet/Hwy 151)
4. Continue straight on Calumet Avenue/Hwy 151 until 3rd set of stoplights
5. Turn Right on Dewey Street (at 3rd set of stoplights – Culver’s on the corner)
6. Continue on Dewey Street until South 35th Street
7. Turn Right onto South 35th Street and enter 2nd driveway on right
2.
To Manitowoc from Milwaukee
1. Take I-43 North (towards Green Bay, WI)
2. Take Exit 149 for US-151 S WI-42 (Holiday Inn Hotel on right)
3. Turn right at top of off-ramp (Calumet/Hwy 151)
4. Continue straight on Calumet Avenue/Hwy 151 until 2rd set of stoplights
5. Turn Right on Dewey Street (at 2rd set of stoplights – Culver’s on the corner)
6. Continue on Dewey Street until South 35th Street
7. Turn Right onto South 35th Street and enter 2nd driveway on right
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Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Splash Newsletter
For information on new products, reminders, or general information, check out our Splash Newsletter.
Splash - Fall 2013 (Coming Soon)
Splash - Spring 2013
Splash - 2012
Splash - 2011
Splash - 2010
Please note: If you are having trouble viewing these documents in a new internet browser, make sure you have Adobe
Reader 9.0 or newer version, save file first and then open
Employment
If you are considering a career at Port-A-Pier, please download and complete the application
below. Once completed, you can mail it to either location, drop off at either location, or e-mail
to jenglebert@port-a-pier.com
Employment Application