Looking for a reliable trolling motor lift assist to reduce effort when raising and lowering your motor? This guide highlights five top options that fit a range of boats and trolling motor models. Each pick is best for specific setups—from Garmin Force systems to Minn Kota Terrova and Terrova T2 models—so you can choose the best lift assist for your rig and fishing style. Below is a concise buyer’s table followed by in-depth product details to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Force Pro Trolling Motor High-Power Lift Assist Gas Spring | Garmin Force/Force Pro systems | Seamless integration and strong lift support |
| 112# Lift Assist Assembly FW 2992729 Fits Minn Kota | 11-2 inch Terrova models with lift assist | Freshwater-friendly replacement with broad compatibility |
| Lift Assist Assembly FOR Minn Kota Terrova 55 LB Thrust Models | Terrova 55 LB, 2017–Present | Direct-fit, durable, OEM-style replacement |
| T-H Marine G-Force Equalizer Trolling Motor Lift Assist | MotorGuide Gator Mounts | Two-air-piston lift for easy raising/lowering |
| Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Models Minn Kota Terrova T2 | Terrova 80 TB/T2 models | Compatibile, 2017–Present lift assist |
Garmin Force Pro Trolling Motor Lift Assist
The Garmin Force Pro Lift Assist is designed to work with Garmin Force or Force Pro setups. This option is best for anglers who rely on a Garmin-powered rig and want a sturdy gas-spring lift to reduce the effort involved in stowing and deploying. The product’s primary benefit is improved lifting action with compatible Garmin motor systems, providing smoother operation for frequent on/off-water transitions.
Best for: Garmin Force users who want integrated lift assistance that aligns with their current trolling motor ecosystem. Better for: anglers seeking strong, reliable assistance on larger boats. Caution: compatibility is limited to Garmin Force/Force Pro systems, so other brands may require a different lift assist model.
112# Lift Assist Assembly FW 2992729 Fits Minn Kota
This lift assist assembly targets freshwater Terrova models with 112# thrust, inclusive of certain Terrova BT 112 configurations from 2017 onward. It’s a practical replacement option when the original lift assist part numbers align with 2992729. The main advantage is restoring a factory-like lift performance for compatible Terrova setups.
Best for: anglers with freshwater Terrova 112# motors needing an OEM-like replacement. Better for: maintaining original fit and operation on compatible Terrova 112 models. Caution: verify model-year fit to avoid mismatches with non-Terrova variants.
Lift Assist Assembly for Minn Kota Terrova 55 LB Thrust
Designed specifically for Minn Kota Terrova 55 LB thrust models from 2017 to the present, this lift assist is a direct-fit replacement. It emphasizes a durable build and easy integration with existing Terrova systems. The main benefit is restoring or improving the ease of lifting for mid-thrust Terrova setups.
Best for: Terrova 55 LB users seeking a straightforward, direct-fit lift assist. Better for: keeping a mid-range Terrova motor balanced with reliable lift support. Caution: not compatible with higher-thrust Terrova models or non-Terrova lineups.
Lift Assist Assembly Fits 80 LB Thrust Minn Kota Terrova T2
This lift assist assembly targets 80# thrust Terrova T2 models, introduced in 2017 and continuing to present builds. It’s a practical upgrade when upgrading to lift assist is desired for Terrova BT 80 models. The feature set suggests a direct, plug-and-play approach for compatible Terrova T2 builds.
Best for: Terrova T2 operators who want to enhance lifting with 80 LB thrust. Better for: upgrading from older lift mechanisms to a modern lift assist. Caution: verify compatibility with your exact Terrova T2 configuration to ensure proper fit.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing a trolling motor lift assist:
- Compatibility: Check model numbers, thrust rating, and whether your motor is Terrova, Garmin Force, or MotorGuide Gator Mounts. Lift assists are not universally interchangeable.
- Boat environment: Freshwater versus saltwater use can influence corrosion resistance and material durability. Some units are explicitly designed for freshwater use.
- Installation complexity: Some assemblies are direct-fit replacements, while others require drilling templates or additional hardware. Assess your DIY comfort level.
- Weight and balance: Lift assist mechanisms should reduce the effort of lifting without overly altering boat balance or center of gravity.
- Maintenance: Look for corrosion-resistant components and simple maintenance routines to extend service life.
- Future-proofing: If you plan to upgrade motors, choose lift assists that align with multiple models or that are known to be compatible with your intended lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a lift assist for trolling motors?
A lift assist is a mechanism that makes raising and lowering a trolling motor easier by providing assistive force, usually via gas springs or air pistons.
- Do lift assists work with all Minn Kota models?
No. Lift assists are model-specific. Verify compatibility with your exact Minn Kota model and thrust rating.
- Is a lift assist worth it for smaller boats?
Yes, for anglers who want easier handling and reduced strain when deploying or stowing the motor.
- Can lift assists affect motor performance?
Lift assists are designed to aid lifting and should not alter propulsion performance; they primarily affect deployment and stow effort.
- Which lift assist is best for Garmin systems?
The Garmin Force Pro Lift Assist is tailored for Garmin Force or Force Pro configurations, offering integrated lift support.
- Are there any installation cautions to consider?
Follow provided installation templates and hardware instructions to prevent misalignment or potential damage to the mount or motor.