Merc 30 lift "assist"

[Mr. Grumpy]

I have a 2003 Merc 30 hp. 4 stroke with a "lift assist". It never seemed like the assist did all that much, but I could get the motor out of the water. <br />Last weekend my wife tried her hand. She tried one hand on the cowling, one on the transom / two hands on the cowling / two hands on the cowling, both feet in the motor well - nothing. Finally, she had both hands on the cowling recess, both feet in the motor well and I grabbed her by both hips and pulled. That worked, but we couldn't stop laughing. <br />She should be able to use the boat without having to call for help tilting the motor. (Not to mention she doesn't let too many people grab her like that...) <br />The manual only shows how to adjust the release rod. Is there any way to increase the assist?