Overview

The Garmin Force Current is a kayak trolling motor that runs on 12 V or 24 V power and adds GPS-based boat control to compact kayak setups. With the high-efficiency propeller it produces up to 30 lb of thrust on 12 V and up to 50 lb of thrust on 24 V (ISO 13342), with 20 speed steps for dialing in a slow troll or pushing through wind and current.

Built-in dual-frequency GPS and a heading sensor support features like Anchor Lock, Heading Hold, Anchor Lock Jog, Cruise Control, and Route Following. The motor is IPX7-rated and mounts at the stern using a 4-hole tilt pattern, with an adjustable shaft length of 11.4 in to 16.6 in (from the mount to the top of the drive motor) to match different deck heights.

Control can stay simple with the included floating handheld remote, and wireless integration with compatible Garmin chartplotters lets you manage steering, throttle, and settings from the screen when you want everything in one place.

Key features

• 12 V or 24 V operation with up to 30 lb thrust on 12 V and up to 50 lb thrust on 24 V (ISO 13342) when using the high-efficiency propeller
• 20-step variable speed control for precise boat speed in tight cover or on long drifts
• Built-in dual-frequency GPS and heading sensor for Anchor Lock, Heading Hold, Anchor Lock Jog, Cruise Control, and Route Following
• IPX7 water rating for spray, rain, and washdowns
• Stern 4-hole tilt mount and adjustable shaft length from 11.4 in to 16.6 in (mount to top of drive motor)
• Wireless floating handheld remote included, with autopilot feature control from the remote
• Wireless man overboard tag included that can cut motor power if it detects you fall overboard
• Two prop options included: a high-efficiency propeller and a weedless propeller
• Power Steer foot pedal compatible for hands-free throttle and steering

Variants

This product is offered in multiple configurations, with the main difference being whether the Power Steer foot pedals are included in the box.

Both configurations use the same stern-mounted Force Current system and remain compatible with the Power Steer foot pedal set.

• 010-02864-00: Includes foot pedals (Power Steer). The left and right pedals add hands-free throttle and steering control, with wireless communication and power from two AA batteries.
• 010-02864-10: Does not include foot pedals. Throttle and steering are handled with the included handheld remote, and the motor remains Power Steer foot pedal compatible.

What’s included

• Force kayak propulsion system
• Wireless handheld remote with lanyard
• Black MOB tag
• Power cable
• Pull rope and cleat
• Skeg
• High-efficiency propeller
• Weedless propeller
• Mounting hardware
• Documentation

Installation and setup

The 4-hole tilt mount is set up for stern installation on many kayak transoms. Plan your layout so the motor can stow and deploy cleanly and the power cable can run without being pinched when you tilt the unit. If your kayak has a thinner transom area, a backing plate helps spread the load and keeps the mount from flexing under thrust.

The adjustable shaft length (11.4 in to 16.6 in) helps you keep the prop at the right depth for your hull and typical water conditions. Once mounted, the stow rope and cleat make it quick to pull the prop up for shallow flats, ramps, and weed edges.

Electrical and system integration

Force Current supports both 12 V and 24 V systems, so you can match it to the battery setup you already run on your kayak. In real use, the choice usually comes down to how much thrust you need for wind and current versus how much battery capacity you want to carry onboard.

If you run Garmin electronics, wireless integration with compatible chartplotters puts motor controls on the display, including route and track following features. The included remote stays useful even with a full helm network because it keeps key controls in your hand when you are standing, landing fish, or moving around the deck.

Use on the water

Anchor Lock is the big day-to-day feature for kayak fishing, especially when you need to hold over a point, sit on a seam, or stay lined up on a grass edge without dropping a physical anchor. Heading Hold and jog-style adjustments help when you are working a shoreline and want the kayak to track the way you are casting.

This is a good match for anglers building a stern-mounted motor setup on a fishing kayak and who want GPS-based position hold plus remote steering and throttle control, with the option to add or use foot control depending on the bundle.

Maintenance and care

After saltwater or brackish use, rinse the motor and mount with fresh water and let everything dry before storage. Keep an eye on the prop for fishing line and weeds, and check the mount hardware periodically since kayak transoms see a lot of vibration and trailering movement.