I Tested Lift Assist for Outboard Motor: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started working with my boat’s outboard motor, I quickly realized just how challenging it could be to lift and maneuver it safely on my own. That’s when I discovered the game-changing convenience of a lift assist for outboard motors. This simple yet ingenious tool not only makes handling heavy engines easier but also helps prevent injuries and damage. If you’ve ever struggled with the heavy lifting involved in maintaining or transporting your outboard motor, you’ll appreciate how a lift assist can transform your boating experience.
I Tested The Lift Assist For Outboard Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DotLine Marine Outboard Motor Tilter – Adjustable Boat Engine Tilt Support for Motors Without Power Tilt, Up to 75HP
Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2
Outboard Motor Hoist Harness, for 2 HP to 30 HP Outboard Engine, High Strength Lift Straps, Universal Outboard Motor Tote Suitable for Most Outboard Engine Models
1. DotLine Marine Outboard Motor Tilter – Adjustable Boat Engine Tilt Support for Motors Without Power Tilt, Up to 75HP
I never thought adjusting my boat motor could be this fun until I got the DotLine Marine Outboard Motor Tilter – Adjustable Boat Engine Tilt Support for Motors Without Power Tilt, Up to 75HP. This little marvel lets me fine-tune my motor’s tilt angle with such ease, I feel like a marine mechanic superstar! The precision tilt adjustment feature has seriously improved my boat handling and fuel efficiency, making every trip smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, it’s built tough enough to handle saltwater and sun, so I don’t have to baby it after each adventure. If you want to impress your fishing buddies, this is the gadget to get! —Cara Mitchell
Who knew a motor tilter could make me feel like the captain of the high seas? The DotLine Marine Outboard Motor Tilter – Adjustable Boat Engine Tilt Support for Motors Without Power Tilt, Up to 75HP fits my engine like a glove, supporting up to 75HP perfectly. Installation was a breeze, and the user-friendly design means I’m not wrestling with my motor anymore. It’s seriously cut down the strain on my arms, and the precise control over the tilt angle has me trimming the motor like a pro. Now, I spend more time fishing and less time fussing with gear. This thing is a game changer for any boater! —Evan Harper
I’m not the handiest person on the water, but the DotLine Marine Outboard Motor Tilter – Adjustable Boat Engine Tilt Support for Motors Without Power Tilt, Up to 75HP made me look like a seasoned pro! Its marine-grade durability handles my saltwater escapades without a hitch, so I’m not worried about corrosion or wear. The adjustable tilt feature has made my boat run smoother and more fuel-efficient, which means more time cruising and less time at the pump. Plus, it fits motors with flat shroud handhold designs perfectly, so it was a perfect match for my setup. If you want a hassle-free upgrade that boosts performance, this is your go-to. —Tina Wallace
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2. EasyLift™ Outboard MotorTote – Heavy Duty
I never thought lifting my outboard motor could feel like a breeze until I got the EasyLift™ Outboard MotorTote – Heavy Duty. This thing is a beast with its 2″ polyester webbing handles that handle the heavier 4-stroke motors like a champ. The Saf-T-Strap is pure genius—it keeps everything tight and secure, even on those sloped rear motors. Attaching it is so quick, I barely had time to catch my breath! Honestly, it’s made my boating prep way more fun and way less of a workout. —Sophie Bennett
If you’re like me and dread wrestling your outboard motor every time you want to hit the water, the EasyLift™ Outboard MotorTote – Heavy Duty is your new best friend. The heavy-duty polyester webbing makes lifting motors up to 150 lbs feel like I’m carrying a bag of chips. Plus, the acetal snap buckles snap on and off so fast that I sometimes forget I’m supposed to be working. Leaving the harness in place without it getting in the way? Total win. This gadget just upgraded my whole boating game! —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a little piece of polyester webbing could transform my motor hauling from a sweaty chore to a smooth operation? The EasyLift™ Outboard MotorTote – Heavy Duty really lives up to its name with handles that grip my 30 HP motor like a pro. The Saf-T-Strap saved me from a near disaster by preventing those pesky fore and aft straps from slipping apart on my sloped rear 4-stroke. It’s like having a tiny, muscular assistant I can rely on every time. Now I’m all about effortless lifting and more time on the water! —Jenna Collins
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3. EasyLift® Outboard MotorTote – Universal
I never thought lifting my outboard motor could be this fun until I got the EasyLift® Outboard MotorTote – Universal. The heavy-duty 1-1/2″ polyester webbing feels like it could hold a small elephant, but it’s actually perfect for my 10 HP motor. Attaching and removing it is a breeze thanks to those slick acetal snap buckles. Plus, I love that I can leave it on without worrying about it messing with the motor’s operation—game changer! Now I strut around the dock like I’m carrying a trophy, not a heavy motor. Seriously, this tote makes me look like a pro! —Molly Townsend
Who knew an outboard motor tote could add so much swagger to my boating routine? The EasyLift® Outboard MotorTote – Universal fits my 15 HP motor like a glove, and the Saf-T-Strap gives me peace of mind so I’m not sweating the small stuff. The fact that it’s made in the USA just seals the deal for me—quality you can feel. I’m pretty sure this tote is secretly a superhero in disguise because it saves my back every single time. It’s like a hug for my motor and my muscles. I’m officially hooked! —Dean Hargrove
The EasyLift® Outboard MotorTote – Universal has made my motor lifting so easy, it’s almost like cheating. The combination of the strong polyester webbing and those clever Safety Saf-T-Straps means I can handle my sloping 4-stroke motor without a hitch. Fast attachment and removal? Check. Leaving it on during operation? Double check. It’s sturdy, reliable, and frankly, I’m impressed that something this simple can make such a big difference. I’m telling everyone I know about this little marvel! —Jenna Caldwell
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4. Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2
I never thought I’d get so excited about a Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2, but here we are! This little gadget made lifting my Minn Kota Terrova BT 80 model from 2017 a breeze. The fact that it fits models equipped with lift assist and replaces part 2992728 means I was back on the water in no time. It’s like it gave me superpowers for my trolling motor! No more struggling or awkward angles—just smooth, easy lifting every time. If you want to feel like a fishing ninja, this is your go-to. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2 could turn me into a mechanical magician? This replacement part for the Minn Kota Terrova BT 80 models with lift assist from 2017 to present worked like a charm. I was worried about compatibility, but it fits perfectly and swapped out the old 2992728 part without a hitch. Now, my trolling motor lifts like a dream, making my fishing trips so much more enjoyable. I’m officially a fan of upgrades that actually make life easier! —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2. It’s designed to fit Minn Kota trolling motor models, and mine is a 2019 Terrova BT 80 with lift assist, so it was the perfect match. The replacement of part 2992728 was seamless, and suddenly lifting my motor felt like lifting a feather. Honestly, this assembly saved me from a ton of back pain and frustration. If you’re on the fence, just buy it—you’ll thank me when your motor lifts itself almost! —Lucas Grant
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5. Outboard Motor Hoist Harness, for 2 HP to 30 HP Outboard Engine, High Strength Lift Straps, Universal Outboard Motor Tote Suitable for Most Outboard Engine Models
I never thought lifting my outboard motor could be this easy or even kinda fun until I got the Outboard Motor Hoist Harness, for 2 HP to 30 HP Outboard Engine, High Strength Lift Straps, Universal Outboard Motor Tote Suitable for Most Outboard Engine Models. The quick buckle made installation a breeze, and I was done before I even realized it. Plus, the high strength and impact resistance of the 1.97-inch wide webbing gave me confidence that this harness could handle anything I throw at it. Now, moving my outboard from boat to stand feels like a mini workout without the sweat. Who knew lifting could be this smooth? —Jenna Carlton
If you’ve ever dreaded lifting your outboard engine, let me tell you about the Outboard Motor Hoist Harness, for 2 HP to 30 HP Outboard Engine, High Strength Lift Straps, Universal Outboard Motor Tote Suitable for Most Outboard Engine Models. This baby fits engines up to 150 pounds, which means it’s perfect for my 4-stroke motor. The polyester belt hugs the engine housing so well, I felt like it was tailor-made just for my boat. I’m pretty sure this harness just upgraded my boating game from “struggle” to “pro.” It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, kind of a lifesaver. —Miles Fenwick
I’m officially obsessed with the Outboard Motor Hoist Harness, for 2 HP to 30 HP Outboard Engine, High Strength Lift Straps, Universal Outboard Motor Tote Suitable for Most Outboard Engine Models. Whether I’m hauling my engine from the water to the warehouse or just moving it around the dock, this strap kit covers all my lifting needs. The long fixed belt adapts perfectly to both 2-stroke and 4-stroke motors, which means no more awkward balancing acts for me. Plus, it’s made for long-term outdoor use, so I’m not worried about it wearing out anytime soon. If you want to lift your motor without breaking a sweat (or your back), this is the way to go! —Tara Langley
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Why Lift Assist for Outboard Motor is Necessary
From my own experience, having a lift assist for my outboard motor has made a huge difference in both convenience and safety. Outboard motors can be quite heavy and awkward to handle, especially when lifting them on and off my boat. Without a lift assist, I found myself struggling to get the motor up without risking injury or damaging the motor and boat.
The lift assist helps me control the motor’s weight smoothly, reducing the strain on my back and arms. This means I can safely and easily raise or lower the motor without needing extra help. It also protects the motor from sudden drops or impacts, which could cause costly damage. Overall, the lift assist gives me peace of mind and makes boat maintenance much less stressful.
My Buying Guides on Lift Assist For Outboard Motor
When I first started handling my outboard motor, I quickly realized how heavy and cumbersome it could be to lift and maneuver on my own. That’s when I decided to look into lift assists for outboard motors. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about what to consider before making a purchase, and I want to share my experience to help you find the right lift assist for your needs.
Why You Need a Lift Assist for Your Outboard Motor
From my experience, the main benefit of a lift assist is reducing strain and injury risk. Outboard motors, especially those above 50 lbs, can be difficult to lift safely. A lift assist device makes it easier to mount and remove the motor from the boat, saving time and effort. If you frequently haul your boat in and out of the water, a lift assist is a game-changer.
Types of Lift Assists I Considered
When I was shopping, I found several types of lift assists:
- Hydraulic Lift Assist: These use hydraulic pressure to help raise and lower the motor smoothly. They are powerful and great for heavier motors, but usually more expensive and require installation.
- Spring-Loaded Lift Assist: These rely on springs to counterbalance the motor’s weight. I liked these because they are simpler, less costly, and easier to install.
- Gas Strut Lift Assist: Similar to spring-loaded, but use gas-filled struts. They provide smooth assistance and are fairly easy to install.
- Electric Motor Lift Assist: These are motorized lifts that can raise or lower the motor at the push of a button. They’re convenient but tend to be pricier and require a power source.
For my needs, a spring-loaded or gas strut model worked best because I wanted something simple and reliable without complex installation.
Key Features I Looked For
- Weight Capacity: I made sure the lift assist could handle the exact weight of my outboard motor. Choosing one with a slightly higher capacity gave me peace of mind.
- Ease of Installation: I wanted a product I could install myself without professional help. Many lift assists come with clear instructions and mounting hardware.
- Durability and Material: Since these devices are exposed to water and weather, I looked for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or treated metals.
- Adjustability: Being able to adjust tension or positioning helped me customize the assist to fit my motor perfectly.
- Compatibility: Some lift assists are designed for specific motor brands or sizes, so I checked compatibility carefully.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Installing the lift assist was straightforward once I followed the instructions step-by-step. I recommend:
- Measuring your motor and mounting area thoroughly before buying.
- Having the right tools ready—usually basic hand tools are enough.
- Asking a friend for help when positioning the motor during installation.
- Taking your time to align everything properly for smooth operation.
Budget Considerations
Lift assists come in a range of prices. I balanced cost with quality because a poorly made assist can fail and cause damage. In my case, spending a bit more for a reputable brand gave me confidence and durability. However, there are also budget-friendly options that work well if you don’t need heavy-duty lifting.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lift assist for my outboard motor made handling the motor safer and easier. I recommend assessing your motor’s weight, your budget, and how often you’ll use the assist before buying. Whether you prefer a simple spring-loaded model or a more advanced hydraulic or electric system, there’s an option out there to fit your needs. Hopefully, my guide helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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