Slip Assist & Lift Assist Installation Guides
Follow the instructions below to properly install and operate your Slip Assist products. Each guide outlines installation preparation, mounting steps, operation, and maintenance to help ensure years of stress-free docking.
Slip Assist Docking System
Slip Assist is a self-contained docking assist system designed to help guide pontoon boats into the center of a slip. The system uses a pivoting impact panel and gas spring to redirect docking energy and help center the boat during entry.
Slip Assist requires no electricity or external power.
Extending the Panels
Push or kick the impact panel outward. The gas spring travels over center and holds the panel tight against the dock when in use.
The panel may snap into position when extended.
Tip: Extend the panels before leaving the dock for the day.
Retracting the Panels
Pull the outer edge of the panel toward the dock.
Because Slip Assist is designed to redirect boats weighing approximately 3,000 pounds, retracting the panel requires a firm pull.
Once the gas spring travels back over center, the panel will snap closed.
Docking With Slip Assist
Approach the slip slowly and align the boat with the opening.
If the boat drifts off line, the impact panel will deflect the pontoon and guide it back toward the center of the slip.
Always dock at idle speed.
Slip Assist helps guide the boat but cannot prevent damage caused by excessive speed or poor docking technique.
Maintenance
Slip Assist requires minimal maintenance.
Periodically check:
- Impact plates for cracks or damage
- Mounting hardware for tightness
- Gas spring stiffness
- Dock mounting brackets
Warranty
Slip Assist products include a one-year warranty covering workmanship and gas spring operation.
Damage caused by misuse or excessive force is not covered.
Slip Assist Dual Slips
Slip Assist Folded Flat Single
Slip Assist Folded Flat
Slip Assist Ladder View
Slip Assist Orange Tri-Toon
Slip Assist Rough Water
Slip Assist Rough Water
Slip Assist Top View
Slip Assist Top View
Slip Assist Water View
Slip Assist Water View
Lift Assist Installation Guide
Lift Assist helps guide and position a boat correctly on a lift by providing controlled contact points along the side of the boat. Pivoting arms and bumper pads help keep the boat aligned as the lift raises.
Lift Assist operates mechanically and requires no electricity or power source.
Installation Preparation
Lift Assist mounts to dock posts. Several installation configurations are possible depending on the desired positioning.
Before installing:
- Remove bumpers or attachments from the posts
- Measure the distance from the boat contact point to the dock post
- This measurement will be used when adjusting the Lift Assist arms.
Configuration 1 – Hard Stop Alignment
Both units are installed on one side of the boat.
Place one unit toward the front of the boat and one toward the rear. This configuration creates a hard stop that helps keep the boat centered and square on the lift.
Configuration 2 – Rear Centering
Two units are installed at the entrance end of the slip.
This helps center the rear of the boat while entering the lift area. The front of the boat must still be guided manually.
Configuration 3 – Full Guidance
Multiple units are installed with two units on each side of the boat for maximum control and positioning.
Mounting Instructions
Step 1 – Determine Mount Height
With the boat floating in the water, position Lift Assist so the boat contact point (typically the rub rail or floor rail) aligns with the lower pivot point of the mounting bracket.
When extended, the arms should be horizontal.
Mounting too high can cause stress and damage to the backing plate.
Step 2 – Install Mounting Bracket
Position the side mount bracket against the dock post.
Use the bracket as a template to mark three mounting holes.
Secure the bracket using ¼-20 self-tapping screws.
The center holes mount the bracket to the post while the offset holes mount the Lift Assist unit.
Mount the bracket so the mounting leg faces the inside of the dock.
Step 3 – Adjust Arm Length
Extend the Lift Assist arms and measure the overall distance.
Adjust the arms to match the measured distance plus approximately one inch.
Loosen the set screws and slide the arms to adjust the length.
It is recommended to adjust the top arm first.
Step 4 – Attach Lift Assist Unit
Attach the Lift Assist unit to the bracket using the supplied screws.
Position the screw heads on the outside of the bracket so no sharp points face the dock.
Step 5 – Final Arm Adjustment
Adjust the top arm to the desired length.
Loosen the lower set screw and return the unit to the upright position.
Then tighten the lower screw.
The recommended clearance between the bumper and the boat is ½ inch to 1 inch.
Final Installation Check
When properly installed:
- The unit should snap upright into the vertical position
- The bumper pad should sit close to the dock post
- The unit should resemble a standard dock bumper pad
Operation
When entering the slip, manually lower the Lift Assist arms.
Position the boat against the bumper pads and raise the lift.
After the boat settles onto the lift, return the Lift Assist arms to the retracted upright position.
The built-in magnet holds the unit upright.
Lift Assist must always be retracted when entering or exiting the slip.
Maintenance
Lift Assist requires minimal maintenance.
Periodically inspect:
- Bumper pads
- Mounting hardware
- Gas spring tension
- Bracket stability
Gas springs should only be serviced by qualified technicians.
Lift Assist standard
Lift Assist with clamp on front side view
Lift Assist with clamp on
Close up of Lift Assist with clamp on
Straight on view of Lift Assist with clamp on
Dock post with clamp on
Close up of dock pole with clamp on
Lift Assist folded down
Lift Assist after being installed
Lift Assist installed with green and white tritoon
Closeup view of Lift Assist installed
Lift Assist installed with tritoon
Lift Assist on back of boat
Lift Assist on tritoon
Lift Assist with ski boat
Lift Assist with ski boat looking down lift
Lift Assist extended up
Lift Assist extended down
Lift Assist with touchless cover
