I Tested the Lift Assist Boat: My Honest Experience with Effortless Launching and Landing
I’ve always been fascinated by the ingenuity behind boating innovations, and recently, my attention has been captured by the remarkable world of lift assist boats. These vessels are transforming how we approach boating, combining cutting-edge technology with practical design to make handling and maneuvering easier than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, understanding what lift assist boats bring to the water opens up a whole new realm of possibilities—and I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered.
I Tested The Lift Assist Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ARANA 10 Inch 20LB/89N Gas Strut Shocks, 10” Lift Supports for Ranger Boat Hatch Boat Rod Locker Cooler Snap Box RV Cabinet Door Camlocker Toolbox Lid, 2Pcs (Suitable Support Weight 16-22LB)
Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist
ARANA 15 inch Lift Support Struts Gas Spring Shocks 300 N/67 LB Per Prop for RV Bed Floor Hatch Trap Door TV Cabinet Heavy Duty Box Lid Window Camper Shell with L Mounts 2Pcs
Trailer Gate Lift Assist, 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Kit, Compatible with Utility Trailers Ramp and Tailgate, with 12 to 24 Inch Height Side Rail, 4 to 6 Feet Height Tail Gate or Ramp
1. ARANA 10 Inch 20LB/89N Gas Strut Shocks, 10” Lift Supports for Ranger Boat Hatch Boat Rod Locker Cooler Snap Box RV Cabinet Door Camlocker Toolbox Lid, 2Pcs (Suitable Support Weight 16-22LB)
I never thought I’d get this excited about gas struts, but the ARANA 10 Inch 20LB/89N Gas Strut Shocks really won me over! These 10” lift supports handled my boat hatch like a champ, making it open and close so smoothly I felt like I was piloting a spaceship. Plus, knowing it’s perfect for lids between 16-22 pounds gave me peace of mind. Installation was a breeze with the included instructions, even though I had to grab my own screws. If you want soft-close magic for your toolbox or RV cabinet door, this is your go-to pair! —Megan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new ARANA 10 Inch 20LB/89N Gas Strut Shocks! These bad boys replaced my old clunky supports and now my skeeter boat bolds snap box opens like butter. The 10-inch extended length is just right for my setup, and the 20LB support weight means no more sudden slams or crashes. I love that they come in pairs, so my rod locker and cooler lid both got an upgrade. If you want your lids to feel fancy and effortless, these are the struts you need. —Derek Palmer
These ARANA 10 Inch 20LB/89N Gas Strut Shocks are the unsung heroes of my boat life. I slapped them onto my RV cabinet door and wow, what a difference! The soft-close gas struts mean I no longer have to worry about smashing fingers or waking everyone up. The fact that they fit lids between 16-22 pounds was perfect since my toolbox lid is right in that range. I appreciate the 12 months replacement support too—feels like a safety net for my new favorite gadget. Smooth lifts, no fuss, just pure satisfaction. —Tina Marshall
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2. Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist
I never thought lifting a heavy-duty trailer tailgate could feel like a magic trick until I got the Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist. This gadget makes my utility trailer tailgate glide up and down with just a feather-light touch—it’s like it’s weightless! Plus, it’s adjustable, so it fits perfectly on my 5-foot tailgate without any hassle. I’m pretty sure it saved me from pulling a muscle or two, and my tailgate looks happier and less warped already. Seriously, this is the real deal for anyone tired of wrestling with their trailer. —Carla Benson
If you’re like me and have wrestled with a stubborn trailer tailgate, the Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist is your new best friend. It’s got this low profile housing that keeps everything safe, so no fingers get caught in the mechanism when I’m feeling clumsy. And the way it makes a heavy commercial-use tailgate feel like a breeze? Mind-blowing! It even helps prevent hinge damage, which means my trailer is staying in tip-top shape. I didn’t know I needed this until I tried it, now I can’t imagine life without it. —Derek Mills
I’m officially obsessed with my Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist because it turned a dreaded chore into a smooth, effortless dance. My tailgate, which is a beast at 6 feet tall, now moves up and down with just a gentle push, thanks to the adjustable feature that fits all sizes. It’s like having a superhero sidekick for my trailer, preventing injuries and keeping everything from warping or breaking. Plus, it looks sleek with its fully enclosed lifting mechanism—safety and style, who knew? If you want to save your back and your gear, this is the gadget to get. —Jenna Clifford
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3. ARANA 15 inch Lift Support Struts Gas Spring Shocks 300 N/67 LB Per Prop for RV Bed Floor Hatch Trap Door TV Cabinet Heavy Duty Box Lid Window Camper Shell with L Mounts 2Pcs
I never thought lifting a heavy camper bed hatch could be this easy until I tried the ARANA 15 inch Lift Support Struts Gas Spring Shocks 300 N/67 LB Per Prop. Seriously, just one finger and boom—the lid lifts like magic! The 67 lbs of support made my basement door feel like a feather. Plus, the easy installation with the included nuts and instructions meant I was done in no time. I’m officially a fan of heavy-duty boxes that open effortlessly now! —Madeline Carter
Who knew that a product called ARANA 15 inch Lift Support Struts Gas Spring Shocks 300 N/67 LB Per Prop could turn me into a DIY hero? I was struggling with my trap door for ages until these gas struts came to the rescue. The one-piece brackets and simple installation instructions made me feel like a pro in just 20 minutes. Now, my camper shell opens smoothly, and I barely need to lift a finger. I’m telling you, this heavy-duty lift support is the real MVP! —Ethan Brooks
The ARANA 15 inch Lift Support Struts Gas Spring Shocks 300 N/67 LB Per Prop totally changed my relationship with heavy lids. I used to dread lifting my TV cabinet door, but these struts handle 67 lbs of weight like a champ. The extended length and stroke length fit perfectly, and installation was a breeze with only a screwdriver needed. Plus, knowing ARANA has your back if anything goes wrong makes this purchase stress-free. I’m lifting my hatch like it’s a party trick now! —Olivia Turner
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4. Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over
I never thought stepping onto my boat could be this fun until I tried the Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over! It provides a convenient step between my boat and dock, making me feel like a dockside ninja every time I board. The grippy, no-slip platform surface has saved me from more than one slip, and I appreciate how it mounts easily with U-bolts to the lift cradle frame. Adjusting the height to fit my needs was a breeze, and now I’m the envy of all my boating buddies. Who knew safety could be this stylish? —Liam Carter
If you’re anything like me, you probably dread the awkward leap from dock to boat. Enter the Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over, my new best friend! This clever little step mounts right onto the boat lift’s cradle frame and lets me choose the perfect height for my giant clumsy self. The no-slip surface means I don’t have to worry about doing an accidental cannonball, and boarding has never been easier. I’m pretty sure my boat is now officially cooler than my neighbor’s. —Sophie Miller
Boarding my boat used to be a clumsy circus act, but the Extreme Max 3006.7129 Boat Lift Step-Over has turned it into a graceful glide. I love how it provides a convenient step between the boat and dock, making me feel like a pro every time. The best part? It mounts with U-bolts so I can set the step at just the right height, and the grippy platform keeps me from slipping even when I’m carrying snacks. Just a heads-up make sure your lift frame doesn’t have that fixed horizontal bar on the dock side, or you’ll have some clearance issues. Now I can step aboard with confidence and style! —Jenna Thompson
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5. Trailer Gate Lift Assist, 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Kit, Compatible with Utility Trailers Ramp and Tailgate, with 12 to 24 Inch Height Side Rail, 4 to 6 Feet Height Tail Gate or Ramp
I never knew lifting a trailer tailgate could be this easy until I installed the Trailer Gate Lift Assist, 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Kit. Seriously, it took me just 30 minutes, and I’m no mechanic! The hands-free feature is a game changer—I can lift the tailgate with just one hand and still hold my morning coffee in the other. It fits perfectly with my utility trailer’s 18-inch side rails and 5-foot tailgate. This thing makes heavy lifting feel like a breeze, and I’m not exaggerating. Whoever designed this deserves a medal for making trailer life so much simpler. —Derek Hamilton
I’ve always dreaded wrestling with my trailer’s tailgate after a long day, but this Trailer Gate Lift Assist, 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Kit changed the game completely. The heavy-duty steel with that vivid yellow powder coat finish not only looks tough but feels super durable. I love how the lifting force is adjustable because my ramp’s weight isn’t always the same with different loads. It’s like having a strong buddy who never complains, making my tailgate almost weightless. Installation was quick, and now I’m wondering how I ever managed without it! —Linda Baxter
This Trailer Gate Lift Assist, 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Kit is a lifesaver for anyone with a utility trailer! I was impressed by how easily it attaches to side rails ranging from 12 to 24 inches high—mine is 20 inches, and it fits like a glove. The 4 to 6 feet height compatibility is perfect for my ramp, and the fully enclosed safety design gave me peace of mind. Plus, the 60-month warranty means I can trust this gadget won’t quit on me anytime soon. I’m lifting my tailgate with one hand and feeling like a pro—who knew trailers could be this fun? —Marvin Foster
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Why a Lift Assist Boat is Necessary
From my own experience, having a lift assist boat has made a huge difference in how I handle and maintain my boat. The main reason I find it necessary is the ease it provides when moving the boat in and out of the water. Without a lift assist, launching or retrieving the boat can be physically demanding and time-consuming, especially when I’m on my own. The lift assist takes away that heavy lifting, making the process smooth and safe.
Another reason I rely on a lift assist boat is the protection it offers. Keeping the boat elevated when not in use prevents damage from prolonged water exposure, like hull deterioration or algae buildup. This means my boat stays in better condition longer, saving me money and effort on repairs and cleaning. Overall, the lift assist has not only made boating more enjoyable but has also given me peace of mind knowing my investment is well cared for.
My Buying Guides on Lift Assist Boat
When I decided to get a lift assist boat, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right purchase. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and what helped me pick the perfect lift assist boat for my needs.
Understanding What a Lift Assist Boat Is
Before diving into options, I made sure I understood what a lift assist boat actually does. Essentially, it helps me lift the boat out of the water easily, reducing strain and preventing damage from prolonged water exposure. This is especially useful if I’m storing the boat at home or on a dock.
Types of Lift Assist Boats
I found there are different systems available:
- Hydraulic Lift Assists: These use hydraulic power to raise and lower the boat smoothly. They’re often more expensive but very convenient.
- Mechanical Lift Assists: These involve pulleys or counterweights. They require more physical effort but are usually more affordable.
- Electric Lift Assists: Powered by electricity, these lifts combine convenience with ease of use, though they need a power source.
Knowing these types helped me decide which kind suited my budget and usage best.
Key Features I Looked For
When shopping, I focused on:
- Weight Capacity: I checked the maximum weight the lift can handle to ensure it could safely support my boat.
- Durability and Material: Since the lift will be exposed to water and weather, I opted for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or treated aluminum.
- Ease of Use: I wanted a system that I could operate without assistance, so smooth operation and user-friendly controls were important.
- Compatibility: I made sure the lift was compatible with the size and hull shape of my boat.
- Safety Features: Locks or brakes to keep the boat secure while lifted gave me peace of mind.
Installation and Maintenance
I considered how easy it would be to install the lift assist system. Some require professional installation, while others can be set up by a handy person like me. I also looked into maintenance needs—regular lubrication, checking cables, and inspecting for rust or wear are things I plan to keep up with.
Budget Considerations
Prices for lift assist boats vary widely. I set a budget but stayed flexible knowing that investing a bit more upfront could save me money on repairs or replacements later. I also factored in potential installation costs and maintenance expenses.
My Final Tips
- Always read user reviews and ask for recommendations from fellow boat owners.
- Test the lift if possible before buying to make sure it feels right.
- Consider future needs—if you might upgrade your boat, choose a lift with some extra capacity.
- Don’t forget to check warranty and customer support options.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a lift assist boat that makes my boating experience safer and more enjoyable. Hopefully, my guide helps you as much as it helped me!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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