This is going to be a drive-by commentary ... hope you don't mind.
I like your idea and concept ... suggestion ... offsetting the pier so that it is not smack dab in the middle can add some more visual dynamics to your image(s). Rule of thirds composition thing.
Peruse the tutorials available on the site here, located to the left in the menus. Under 'Other Stuff' ... I believe you should find some basic tips on composing photos to reinforce what is said above.
Add to your creative palette and approach, simply stated.
Now, that is not to say that rules are not meant to be broken some times. Again, a guide ... take from it what you will.
If you notice ... the detail and clarity of the pier is quite good. A product of the time of day and a steady hand perhaps. Make a mental note of things like this and use it next go round.
And one more freebie ... in terms of image editing software. Photofiltre. Widely used by the members on the site here, the program will give you the capabilities to boost colour, contrast, resize/crop and so forth.
Quite powerful ... and again, freeware version available.
If this setting is readily accessible and available to you ... go back and reshoot the scene ... changing the composition, but more so ... get some colour into the sky. Early evening, morning would kick up the 'umph' factor.
As is, the sky is a neutral element. Not too much happening there, but because of it's contrasting luminance ... your viewers eyes are not on the prize, per se. That being ... the pier.
Just some thoughts.
Good effort. Some changes could easily elevate this one a few notches. :o)
"Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap." - Robert Fulghum