Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Durable Boat Lifts & Custom Piers in Wisconsin
Summerset Marine Construction was founded in 1990 with a vision to redefine waterfront living through innovative marine solutions. As a family-owned, American-made business, we specialize in crafting high-quality, low-maintenance piers and boat lifts designed to endure Midwest weather conditions. Our team combines decades of industry expertise with patented engineering to deliver durable, eco-friendly products that enhance lakeside lifestyles. With manufacturing facilities in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and service locations across the state, we prioritize local sourcing and sustainable practices.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and our reputation for reliable, code-compliant installations. We serve residential and commercial clients seeking timeless craftsmanship, from custom residential docks to large-scale marina projects. Our leadership team brings generational knowledge and technical innovation to every build, ensuring long-term value for property owners. Through continuous product development and customer-centric service, we remain a trusted leader in marine construction.
Services
All Seasons HD Piers
Commercial Piers
Built-In Lifts
Standalone Lifts
PWC Platform Lifts
Seasonal Installation
Repairs & Maintenance
Custom Fabrication
Marine Logistics
Product Distribution
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1990 with generational marine industry expertise
- DNR-endorsed strength meeting high safety and sustainability standards
- Zero-maintenance HDPE decking resists fading, splintering, and corrosion
- Midwest manufacturing using eco-friendly, locally sourced materials
- Patented pier systems engineered for year-round stability in extreme conditions
Services
All Seasons HD Piers
Engineered for extreme weather conditions, these piers feature extra-thick steel frames and HDPE decking. Designed to remain installed year-round, they withstand freezing winters and heavy boat traffic. Ideal for deep-water locations with fluctuating ice conditions, they eliminate seasonal removal needs while maintaining structural integrity.
Commercial Piers
Double-frame steel structures with slip-resistant HDPE decking serve high-traffic commercial environments. Built to DNR standards, these piers support municipal marinas, resorts, and restaurants. Their corrosion-resistant design reduces maintenance costs while accommodating heavy public use in demanding waterfront settings.
Built-In Lifts
Permanently installed lifts seamlessly integrate with pier frameworks for clean aesthetics. Using marine-grade aluminum and automated controls, they provide effortless boat access. Customizable for various watercraft sizes, these lifts combine durability with space-efficient design for residential and commercial docks.
PWC Platform Lifts
Low-profile platforms built directly into piers store personal watercraft above waterline. Featuring even weight distribution, they prevent hull damage. Available with manual or electric operation, these lifts offer corrosion-resistant construction and easy seasonal maintenance for Wisconsin lake properties.
Seasonal Installation
Professional setup and removal of modular pier systems for seasonal properties. Our team handles transportation, assembly, and winter storage. This service ensures proper installation of Classic and Minimalist Pier models that require annual removal, maintaining structural longevity through Wisconsin's changing climates.
People
Larry Chapman
Founder, Owner & President
Founded Summerset Marine in 1990 while studying at UW-Whitewater. Transformed the company into a leading marine construction firm through patented pier innovations and decades of waterfront design expertise.
Henry Chapman
Director of Sales and Marketing
Leads market expansion efforts and client relationship strategies. Focuses on brand development and revenue growth while maintaining family-driven business values established in the company's founding.
Matt Arend
Vice President of Finance
Manages financial operations since 2025, applying expertise in corporate finance and process improvement to support the company's growth and innovation initiatives.
Danny Delgado
General Manager of Construction
Oversees construction projects with marine industry expertise, ensuring quality standards and operational efficiency in all builds from design through final installation.
Jake Ohnesorge
Director of Engineering
Manages engineering and manufacturing operations, focusing on product development and continuous improvement of patented pier and lift systems used across Midwest lake communities.
Questions
What makes your piers different from traditional wood docks?
Our HDPE plastic decking never requires sealing or staining while resisting splinters and weather damage. Steel frames driven 60 feet deep provide unmatched stability compared to conventional wooden structures.
Do your piers require seasonal removal?
All Seasons models stay installed year-round through Midwest winters. Classic and Minimalist Piers are designed for easy seasonal removal when needed.
Are your products environmentally friendly?
HDPE decking contains recycled materials and emits no harmful fumes. We prioritize local manufacturing to reduce environmental impact while meeting DNR sustainability standards.
What warranty options exist for boat lifts?
Warranties range from 5-15 years on structural components depending on model. Golden Boat Lifts feature 10-year coverage on patented Sea-Drive gear reducers with 2-year parts protection.
Can you accommodate custom waterfront designs?
Our engineering team creates customized solutions for unique shorelines, including modular combinations of piers, lifts, and accessories tailored to specific property requirements.
Do you serve commercial clients?
Commercial Piers meet heavy-use demands for marinas, resorts, and public facilities. We provide DNR-compliant installations engineered for 24/7 access and minimal maintenance downtime.
