Overview

The Garmin Force Kraken is a bow-mount trolling motor built for deep-V hulls and higher-freeboard boats where space at the bow can be tight. It runs on 24 V or 36 V and produces up to 100 lb of thrust at 36 V or 80 lb at 24 V (ISO 13342).

Boat control is centered around Anchor Lock, with multi-band GPS and an integrated AHRS for heading hold when conditions shift. You can also link it wirelessly to compatible Garmin chartplotters to create and follow routes, patterns, and tracks, and run it from the included remote when you are working lines or moving around the deck.

For real-world marine use, it carries an IPX7 water rating and advanced corrosion protection for freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater. The shaft and mount layout also support cleaner rigging, including the ability to route a LiveScope transducer cable through the trolling motor shaft when paired with the required accessories.

Key features

• Dual-voltage brushless motor for 24 V or 36 V systems, with up to 100 lb thrust at 36 V or 80 lb at 24 V (ISO 13342).
• Pivot-style bow mount that helps with installation on boats where bow space is limited.
• Anchor Lock positioning using multi-band GPS and integrated AHRS for heading hold.
• Wireless integration with compatible Garmin chartplotters for route, pattern, and track control.
• IPX7 water rating plus corrosion protection for freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater environments.
• Included wireless remote with point-and-go control and gesture steering.
• 20-step variable speed control with a battery indicator for easier power management on long days.
• LiveScope cable routing through the shaft is supported when paired with the required accessories.

Variants

This range is offered in multiple shaft lengths (48", 63", 75", 90", and 110") and in black or white. Some configurations include a built-in GT56UHD-TR transducer, and others are supplied without a built-in transducer.

Shaft length is the main fit decision for most boats, since it affects how well the prop stays submerged when the bow rises in chop or when you fish a windy drift. The built-in transducer option keeps sonar cabling cleaner at the bow and avoids adding a separate trolling-motor transducer.

Installation and setup

Force Kraken mounts at the bow, so start by checking the stow and deploy swing path against rub rails, bow rails, and anchor hardware. Plan the placement so the motor can deploy cleanly without contacting the hull, and leave room for the mount footprint and fasteners. On most boats, through-bolting to a solid backing surface is the right approach for the loads a high-thrust trolling motor sees.

Compatibility and fit

Match shaft length to your bow height and the water you run most often, especially on deeper-V boats that carry the bow higher at rest and on plane. If you are replacing an existing bow-mount motor, compare the current shaft length and how often it ventilates in rough water, then adjust length accordingly.

Electrical and system integration

Plan for a dedicated 24 V or 36 V battery bank and wiring that can support a high-thrust trolling motor without excess voltage drop. If you are tying it into a Garmin helm, account for wireless chartplotter control and any steering or Anchor Lock use you want from the console, plus remote control use from the cockpit while fighting fish.

On-water use

This setup fits anglers who run larger bay boats, deep-Vs, and center consoles and want a bow-mount motor that can hold position and track lines without constant corrections. It is also a solid match for crews who prefer steering and speed changes from multiple spots on board instead of being locked to one control station.

Maintenance and care

After saltwater runs, rinse the exterior with fresh water and keep an eye on the prop area for fishing line. Periodically inspect fasteners at the bow mount, check the stow and deploy action for smooth movement, and verify cables are supported so they do not chafe during trailering or rough-water runs.