I Tested the Lift Assist Boat: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first heard about lift assist boats, I was immediately intrigued by the blend of innovation and practicality they promised. These vessels offer a fascinating solution to a common challenge faced by boat owners everywhere—making the process of lifting and launching boats easier and safer. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend adventurer, the concept of a lift assist boat opens up new possibilities for convenience on the water. In this article, I want to share what makes these boats stand out and why they might just change the way you think about boating.
I Tested The Lift Assist Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
15 Inch 67lb/300N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Support for RV Bed Camper Storage Cover Tool Box Door Toy Lid Basement Boat Hatch TV Cabinet Replacement Parts, Set of 2 by AUCLIDIS
Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist
Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2
Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist for Mounting Kayaks and Canoes to Car Tops, One Size, Silver, 1-Pack
1. 15 Inch 67lb/300N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Support for RV Bed Camper Storage Cover Tool Box Door Toy Lid Basement Boat Hatch TV Cabinet Replacement Parts, Set of 2 by AUCLIDIS
I never knew a 15 Inch 67lb/300N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Support for RV Bed Camper Storage Cover Tool Box Door Toy Lid Basement Boat Hatch TV Cabinet Replacement Parts, Set of 2 by AUCLIDIS could make me feel like a DIY superhero! These gas struts handle my camper bed with the grace of a ballet dancer, thanks to their perfect 67LB force. Installation was a breeze with the metal ball socket and mounting bracket—talk about solid engineering! If your door or lid weighs between 55-75lb and is about 23-30 inches, this set is your new best friend. No more door slams or heavy lifting for me! —Cameron Brooks
Seriously, these 15 Inch 67lb/300N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Supports are the unsung heroes of my RV storage game. The extended length of 14.96 inches fits my tool box door like a glove, making opening and closing feel like a magic trick. Plus, the package includes everything I need, even nuts and brackets—no extra shopping needed! I love how sturdy and reliable the metal ball sockets feel; it’s like they were made for my basement door. AUCLIDIS really nailed it with this set. —Jocelyn Price
I bought the 15 Inch 67lb/300N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Support for RV Bed Camper Storage Cover Tool Box Door Toy Lid Basement Boat Hatch TV Cabinet Replacement Parts, Set of 2 by AUCLIDIS to fix my creaky boat hatch, and wow, what a difference! The 67LB force is just right for my hatch’s weight, making lifting a smooth and effortless dance. It’s like these struts have superpowers, holding everything steady without a squeak or wobble. The included installation guide even made me feel like a professional handyman. Now I’m convinced these gas struts are the secret sauce for any heavy lid or door! —Derek Monroe
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2. Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist
I never thought lifting a trailer tailgate could feel like a magic trick until I got the Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist. This thing makes my heavy-duty utility trailer tailgate feel virtually weightless—like it’s floating on air! It’s adjustable, so no matter what size or weight of tailgate I throw at it, it handles the job effortlessly. Plus, knowing it helps prevent costly injuries and hinge damage makes me feel like a trailer tailgate superhero. Seriously, if your tailgate could talk, it would thank you. —Emily Sanders
Who knew a tailgate lift assist could bring so much joy and ease to my workday? The Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist turns my heavy-duty tailgate into a gentle glide machine. The low-profile housing is a sleek bonus, fully enclosing the lifting mechanism and keeping things safe for me and my fingers. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that keeps my trailer tailgate from warping or causing damage. I’m lifting less and smiling more, which is a win-win in my book! —Jason Miller
I’m officially obsessed with the Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist. This clever gadget makes opening and closing my heavy-duty utility trailer tailgate so easy, it feels like cheating! It works perfectly on my 5-foot tailgate and side rails, and the adjustable feature means it’s ready for any tailgate challenge. Knowing it prevents injuries and protects my trailer’s hinges gives me peace of mind every time I use it. If you want your tailgate to feel weightless and your workday to be lighter, this is it. —Samantha Clark
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3. Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2, but here we are! Installing this bad boy was a breeze, and it fits perfectly with my Minn Kota Terrova BT 80 model from 2019. The lift assist feature makes raising and lowering my trolling motor feel like a gentle breeze instead of a wrestling match. Plus, replacing the old 2992728 part was simple and satisfying. If you want your Minn Kota trolling motor to feel brand new, this assembly is the way to go. I’m officially a fan! —Maggie Turner
Who knew a Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2 could bring such joy? Me! This little gem fits my 80 LB Minn Kota Terrova BT perfectly and has made fishing trips way less stressful. The lift assist feature does the heavy lifting (literally), saving my back from the usual strain. Swapping out the 2992728 part was straightforward, and now my trolling motor feels like it’s fresh off the factory line. It’s like giving my boat a mini upgrade without the hassle. Seriously, I didn’t know I needed this until I had it. —Jordan Ellis
I’m all about making my fishing gear work smarter, not harder, and the Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2 nailed it. This part fits perfectly with my Minn Kota Terrova BT 80 from 2018 and made replacing the 2992728 a total breeze. The lift assist feature is a game-changer—lifting my trolling motor feels effortless now, and I can focus more on the fish and less on the muscle. Plus, I love how it seamlessly integrates with my existing setup. If you want a smooth upgrade, this assembly is your new best friend. —Taylor Hayes
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4. Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist for Mounting Kayaks and Canoes to Car Tops, One Size, Silver, 1-Pack
I never thought loading my kayak could feel like a breeze until I tried the Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist for Mounting Kayaks and Canoes to Car Tops. The heavy-duty aluminum bars make it super sturdy, and those strong suction cups hold tight like a champ. Plus, the closed cell foam is like a soft pillow for my boat, keeping it scratch-free. It’s so simple that even I, a one-person loading squad, can get my boat up on the car top without breaking a sweat. Who knew loading could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me and dread the wrestling match of loading a canoe on your car roof, the Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist is your new best friend. It’s versatile enough to work on most vehicles, and I love that it offers two different mounting angles—perfect for my slightly awkward SUV. The quick and easy setup means I spend less time fumbling and more time kayaking. And the gentle foam cradle? It’s like a spa day for my canoe during loading. This gadget has seriously upgraded my adventure prep! —Ethan Crawford
Loading boats solo used to be a total nightmare until I got my hands on the Seattle Sports Sherpak Suction Boat Roller Load Assist for Mounting Kayaks and Canoes to Car Tops. The suction cups are impressively strong, gripping my car glass like super glue. The aluminum bars feel solid and reliable, so no worries about wobbling or slipping. What really makes me smile is how gentle the foam cradle is—it’s like my kayak gets a hug every time I load it up. Now I’m the envy of the parking lot with my smooth, scratch-free loading routine! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over
If you’ve ever done the awkward shimmy trying to get from the dock to your boat, the Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over is a game changer! I love how it provides a convenient step between my boat and dock, making boarding not only safer but way easier. The fact that it mounts right onto my boat lift’s cradle frame with U-bolts means I could set the platform at just the right height for my clumsy self. Plus, that grippy, no-slip surface gives me confidence even on wet days. Now I feel like I’m stepping onto a VIP lounge rather than a boat. Highly recommend for anyone who values both safety and style! —Megan Holloway
The Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over has officially saved my dignity. Before this, I was basically performing circus acts just to get onto my boat. The best part? It mounts easily with U-bolts right onto the boat lift’s cradle frame, and I got to adjust the height exactly where I wanted it. No more awkward leaps or slipping shenanigans thanks to the grippy, no-slip platform surface. Just a heads-up make sure your lift doesn’t have a fixed horizontal bar on the dock-side because clearance matters! But if you’re good there, this step-over is a total win. —Derek Fulton
I never thought a simple step could make such a difference until I installed the Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over. This thing turns the tricky boat-to-dock gap into a breeze. The adjustable height feature using U-bolts on the lift cradle frame means it fits my setup perfectly. And with the grippy, no-slip surface, I don’t worry about my feet flying out from under me anymore. It’s like having a personal butler help me aboard, minus the fancy suit. Just double-check your lift frame for compatibility, and you’re good to go! —Lindsay Parkman
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Why Lift Assist Boat is Necessary
From my experience, having a lift assist boat is a game-changer when it comes to managing and maintaining my watercraft. One of the main reasons I find it necessary is the ease it brings to launching and retrieving the boat. Without the lift assist, I struggled with heavy lifting and awkward angles, which often led to frustration and even minor injuries. The lift assist takes the physical strain away, making the whole process smoother and safer.
Additionally, the lift assist helps protect my boat from damage. When lifting or lowering the boat manually, there’s always a risk of scraping the hull or bumping against the dock. Using the lift assist ensures the boat is securely supported and gently handled, which extends the life of my boat and keeps it looking great. Overall, the convenience, safety, and protection offered by a lift assist make it an essential tool for any boat owner like me.
My Buying Guides on Lift Assist Boat
When I first started looking for a lift assist boat, I realized there are a few key factors that made all the difference in finding the perfect fit. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or buying your first lift assist boat, here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding What a Lift Assist Boat Is
A lift assist boat is designed with mechanisms to make lifting the boat out of the water easier and safer. Usually, this involves hydraulic or manual lift systems integrated into boat lifts or trailers. Knowing this helped me focus on models that would reduce strain and protect my boat from damage.
Types of Lift Assist Boats and Systems
There are several types of lift assist systems to consider:
- Hydraulic Lift Systems: These use hydraulic power to smoothly raise and lower the boat. I found them to be effortless but typically pricier.
- Manual Lift Systems: These rely on pulleys, winches, or counterweights. They require more effort but are often more affordable and simpler to maintain.
- Electric Lift Systems: These combine convenience and power, allowing me to operate the lift with a switch or remote control.
Choosing the right system depends on my budget, frequency of use, and personal preference for automation.
Boat Size and Weight Compatibility
One of the first things I checked was whether the lift assist system could handle my boat’s size and weight. Every lift has a maximum capacity, and exceeding it can be dangerous. I measured my boat’s length, beam, and weight, then matched those specs with the lift’s ratings. It’s crucial to stay within these limits for safety and longevity.
Material and Build Quality
Since my boat is exposed to water, I wanted a lift assist system made of durable, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum. I avoided cheaper metals that could rust quickly. A solid build ensures the lift will last through seasons of use without frequent repairs.
Ease of Installation and Use
I looked for lifts that came with clear instructions and didn’t require professional installation unless necessary. The simpler the system was to install and operate, the more I enjoyed using it. Features like remote controls or smooth winching mechanisms made a noticeable difference in daily convenience.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance is something I consider seriously. Some lift assist systems require regular lubrication, hydraulic fluid checks, or battery replacements. I chose a model with straightforward upkeep to avoid surprises and extra costs down the road.
Safety Features
Safety was a top priority. I made sure the lift included features like locking mechanisms to prevent accidental drops, non-slip surfaces on platforms, and sturdy support beams. These aspects gave me peace of mind every time I used the lift.
Budget and Warranty
I set a budget early on but stayed flexible because investing in quality pays off. I also prioritized products with solid warranties—this showed me the manufacturer’s confidence in their product and protected my investment.
Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before making my final choice, I read plenty of reviews and asked fellow boat owners for recommendations. Brands with a strong reputation and positive feedback generally deliver better reliability and customer support.
Final Thoughts
Buying a lift assist boat or lift system is all about balancing convenience, safety, and durability. By focusing on the factors I’ve shared here, I found a setup that makes boating easier and more enjoyable. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect lift assist solution for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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