Overview

The Garmin Quick Release Plate System is a quick-release mounting kit for Garmin Force Kraken trolling motors that lets you lift the motor off the bow without unbolting the deck hardware.

It mounts with a two-piece plate and a locking handle, and it uses through-bolts with washers and nuts under the deck. Deck mounting holes are drilled with an 11/32 in (9 mm) bit, and the handle is secured with the included R-clip or a padlock with a 1/4 in (6.35 mm) or smaller shackle.

This setup makes sense for boats that trailer often, store indoors for the season, or get left at a dock where you prefer not to leave a trolling motor on the bow.

Key features

• Compatible with Garmin Force Kraken trolling motors for bow mounting
• Locking handle keeps the motor seated on the deck plate; releasing the handle allows removal for transport or storage
• Uses a mounting template to mark hole locations; deck holes are drilled at 11/32 in (9 mm)
• Through-bolted installation with washers and nuts under the deck, so underside access is required
• Option to use countersunk stainless 5/16-18 (M8 x 1.25) bolts of the correct length if the included deck bolts are not long enough for your mounting surface
• Offered in black or white to match common bow layouts

Variants

Offered in two color options to match different bow layouts.

The only listed difference between versions is the plate color.

• 010-12832-60: Black. Keeps the mount visually low-key on darker decks and hardware.
• 010-12832-61: White. Matches light-colored gelcoat and reduces contrast on white foredecks.

What's included

• Quick release plate (deck plate) and quick release mount (motor plate)
• Locking handle and R-clip
• Mounting template
• Mounting hardware for through-bolting (bolts, washers, and nuts)

Compatibility and fit

Compatible with the Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor. The plate is intended for bow mounting, and the mount should be positioned so the deployed motor runs close to the boat centerline while still clearing the gunwale and any bow rails during stow and deploy.

The quick release plate fits into the mount in one orientation, so confirm the motor faces the intended direction before drilling.

Installation and setup

Plan for a through-bolt install: you will need access to the underside of the mounting surface to install washers and nuts. If your deck flexes at the bow, reinforcement or a backing plate helps spread the load.

Deck holes are drilled at 11/32 in (9 mm). Final tightening calls for 14.9 N-m (11 lbf-ft) on the deck fasteners and 10.85 N-m (8 lbf-ft) on the mount-to-motor fasteners.

Once the motor is seated, the handle should be secured with the included R-clip or an outdoor-rated padlock to prevent an unexpected release while the boat is in use.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the plates and handle with fresh water after saltwater use, and check the handle, clip, and mounting fasteners periodically for corrosion or loosening from vibration.