Stabilization of the jetty at the Milwaukee Yacht Club carries special weight for both the boating community and the city's rich maritime heritage. Founded in 1871, the Milwaukee Yacht Club stands as the oldest active yacht club on Lake Michigan, anchoring more than 150 years of recreational and competitive boating along Milwaukee's shoreline. Its early facilities, including its first permanent clubhouse built on pilings in 1896, endured decades of exposure to Lake Michigan's unpredictable weather before the harbor's major breakwater was completed in the 1920s and 1930s to protect Milwaukee Bay. When the 2025 Mother's Day storm caused significant damage to the jetty structure, repairing it became essential, not only to restore safe harbor access but also to protect a site deeply woven into the region's nautical history. This latest restoration effort ensures the Club's legacy remains secure for generations of sailors, members, and visitors who rely on the jetty's protection. 

Big Lake Marine, LLC, the contractor selected for this critical marine infrastructure restoration, was an obvious choice, due to their strong track record across the Great Lakes, especially on projects requiring precision pile‑driving into dense or unpredictable lakebed environments. Known for their ability to navigate complex subsurface conditions and execute environmentally conscious marine construction, the company brought both the technical skillset and regional understanding needed for the Milwaukee Yacht Club's delicate historic shoreline. Their consistent performance in coastal reinforcement projects made them a trusted partner in ensuring the jetty would regain the structural resilience required to protect this storied harbor. 

To complete the installation of 400 linear feet of steel sheet piling, Big Lake Marine deployed an ICE® 416 Vibratory Hammer, crane‑mounted to achieve optimal control and vertical alignment during placement. The crew drove 1520' (ft) steel sheet piles to a minimum penetration of 5' (ft) into the hard pan, a dense and highly compacted layer critical for anchoring shoreline structures. With its 1600VPM frequency performance, the ICE® 416 offers an essential advantage for marine sheet pile installation, particularly in areas where protecting nearby or historically sensitive structures from vibration is critical. Its power and reliability ensured consistent driving rates even as resistance increased approaching the hard pan layer. Equipped with Hydrauli‑Flex™ hoses, the 416 operated at peak hydraulic efficiency, reducing heat buildup and ensuring consistent performance throughout the extended marine installation. Together, the equipment choice and methodical installation approach provided the structural rigidity required to restore the jetty's function against future severe weather events. 

Revitalization of this jetty not only reinforces a vital protective barrier but also safeguards a piece of Milwaukee's maritime identity; one that has endured fires, storm damage, and more than a century of evolving lakefront development. Thanks to this careful repair, the local boating community and Milwaukee Yacht Club members can once again rely on a secure harbor. International Construction Equipment extends its appreciation to Big Lake Marine for their craftsmanship and dedication in restoring such a historically meaningful structure. Their work ensures that both everyday lake-goers and long-time MYC members continue enjoying safe access to one of Lake Michigan's most enduring nautical landmarks. Bravo! 

Learn more about the ICE® 416

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Media Contact-             
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA        
Vice President       
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc       
The Hose Company          
Office - 704-821-8200       
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com