LakeEze’s® Stow & Go® is a premium, first-to-market dock accessory combining innovative design with quality craftsmanship to deliver an unmatched dockside storage and launch system for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. This patented solution keeps your watercraft securely above the waterline, while its angled design prevents rain collection—so, every lake day starts with dry, protected gear that’s ready for adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned waterfront enthusiast or new to lake living, mastering the installation and use of your Stow & Go storage system is essential for maximizing dock safety, organization, and easy water access. This in-depth guide will walk you through the installation of your Stow & Go and some practical usage tips inspired by our real-world operation video, so every lake day becomes effortless.
What You Need to Know & Gather Before You Begin The Installation Process
Before starting assembly and use of your LakeEze® Stow & Go, please carefully review these critical safety guidelines to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your watercraft:
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Assemble this product only if you are 18 or older, using proper personal protective equipment and a GFCI-protected power supply near water.
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Ensure dock decking is in good condition, well-supported, and securely fastened.
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Follow the assembly steps exactly and check that all fasteners are tight before use.
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Always keep the Stow & Go upright when not in use, and never exceed the 300 lbs capacity.
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Confirm area is clear of swimmers and boat traffic before lowering watercraft.
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Avoid jumping or hanging on the assembly, and keep children supervised.
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Be cautious of pinch points and toe catches around mounting hardware, and check for electrical currents near your dock.
Following these safety instructions ensures a smooth installation process and safe use of your Stow & Go storage system.
Tools Needed for a Smooth Installation
Before you begin assembling your LakeEze® Stow & Go, gather the following tools for an efficient and professional installation:
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Wrenches/Sockets: 7/16’’, 9/16’’, 3/4’’.
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Allen wrenches: 5/32’’, 7/32’’, 5/16’’.
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Power drill with 3/8’’ chuck and drill bit, impact driver with socket adapter.
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Additional: Socket/ratchet wrench, razor knife, pencil, and measuring tape.
What’s Included in Your LakeEze Stow & Go Kit?
Verify your kit includes the following components before beginning assembly to avoid delays:
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Step Side Rails “H-Rail” (x2)
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Dock Upright Brackets (x2)
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Plastic Step (x1)
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Hardware Bags (A, B, C, D) containing all necessary bolts, washers, lock nuts, and fasteners:
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Bag A: 1¼-20 x 1¾” pan head bolts (x4), ¼” flat washers (x4), ¼-20 brass lock nuts (x4)
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Bag B: ½-13 x 2½” pan head bolts (x8)
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Bag C: 3/8-16 x 4” and 2” pan head bolts, flat washers, brass lock nuts (quantities as per instructions)
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Bag D: ½ x 3½” pan head bolts, brass lock nuts, Delrin spacers, flat washers, eyebolt with stainless steel nut, connector rods, half and full loops, retention strap kit.
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Winch and winch post assemblies.
14 Easy Steps to Installing Your Dockside Stow & Go
Follow these exact steps from the LakeEze® Stow & Go assembly manual to safely and reliably install your dock storage system:
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Arrange the “H-Rail” side rails so the steps will face up (notch cuts on the bottom). Bolt the plastic step onto the rails using 1/4” hardware from Bag A.
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Measure the distance from your dock decking to the waterline and select the corresponding hole for the top of the step assembly.
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Bolt the dock upright brackets to the inside of the step “H” Rails using 2” bolts from Bag A, placing washers under the lock nuts. Set this assembly aside.
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Attach the connector rods to the full loop side with magnetic studs using 2 1/2” bolts from Bag B. Slide the retention straps over the lower connector rods with the push-release on your dominant hand side. Leave marked holes empty for step assembly connection.
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Connect the half loop to the full loop assembly using 2 1/2” bolts from Bag B, leaving marked holes empty for step assembly.
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Bolt the winch to the winch post using 2” bolts from Bag C. Flip the winch so the handle is on the bow side of your watercraft. Note: Steps 4-6 may already be complete with curbside or wholesale pick-up.
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Determine which dockside you will enter the Stow & Go from with your watercraft. Orient the cradle so the full loop is on the bow side of the kayak or paddleboard.
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Determine Stow & Go placement on your dock. Set the step assembly in place and mark the cap plate locations on the edge bumper. On the bow side of the step assembly, trim approximately 2 1/2” of the bumper outside the step bracket using a razor knife. Tie a rope to the step assembly as a safety precaution in case of dropping.
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Remove any deck boards necessary to gain access to the underside of your dock for bolting.
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Replace the step assembly, then drill through the top and bottom of each dock bracket, through your dock’s structural side member, using a 3/8” drill bit. Bolt the step assembly to the dock using (x4) 3/8” x 4” bolts from Bag C.
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Attach the cradle assembly to the lakeward edge of the step assembly using hardware from Bag D. Insert the plastic washers between the cradle and step assemblies. Tighten bolts flush but avoid over-tightening to allow smooth rotation of the cradle.
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Place the winch assembly flush with the bottom of the dock structure on the side with the trimmed edge bumper cut-out. Drill and attach the winch post to the dock structure using two 3/8” x 4” bolts from Bag C.
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Lift the cradle into the upright position. Insert the eyebolt from Bag D into the open hole on the outside of the full loop. Attach the winch strap to the eyebolt.
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Load your watercraft onto the cradle and cycle the Stow & Go using the winch to ensure it functions properly and locks securely.
Your LakeEze® Stow & Go installation is now complete!
How to Use Your Stow & Go Like a Pro
Leveraging the official LakeEze® Stow & Go demonstration video, follow these professional steps to operate your storage and launch system safely:
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Prep It: Before loading, fully unwind the winch strap and lower the cradle to water position.
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Position Your Watercraft: Gently guide your watercraft onto the cradle, centering to balance out the weight. The full loop on the bow side helps with stabilization during loading.
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Secure With Retention Straps: Use the push-release retention straps to safely lock your craft in place.
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Winching: Turn the winch handle steadily to raise the cradle and watercraft into the upright storage position. Once raised, engage the winch lock to prevent accidental lowering.
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Launching: Unlock the winch and carefully lower the cradle, maintaining a firm grip on your watercraft as it descends.
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Step Safe: Use the integrated step and side rails for safe and stable entry and exit from your watercraft.
Following these steps will save time, reduce fatigue, and protect both your watercraft and dock, allowing you to enjoy your waterfront season after season.
Level Up Your Waterfront Lifestyle With The Stow & Go Storage & Launch System
Now that you know how to expertly install and use your LakeEze® Stow & Go, you’re ready to upgrade your dock to a new standard of convenience, safety, and enjoyment. Experience firsthand the benefits of a system built for life on the water that makes lake days smoother, storage stress-free, and every launch an easy moment of adventure.
Elevate your dock and secure your gear. Make your lake days effortless—only with LakeEze® Stow & Go.
