Getting Started with the Force® Trolling Motor, Force® Pro Trolling Motor and Force® Kraken Trolling Motor by Garmin

This FAQ is a series of several FAQs and will aid in getting started with the correct Garmin trolling motor. Refer to the appropriate Force® Trolling Motor, Force® Pro Trolling Motor, Force® Kraken Trolling Motor or Garmin chartplotter manual for information beyond what is provided in this FAQ.

NOTE: Compatible Garmin GPSMAP® chartplotters include units with built-in wireless and at least software version 16.00. Compatible ECHOMAP® chartplotters will feature wireless functionality, and must be on software version 9.20 or higher. STRIKER® fishfinders, wearables and handhelds are not compatible with the Garmin trolling motors. 

NOTE : To see compatible chartplotters view Compatible Garmin Chartplotters, Pairing Procedure, Enabling the Trolling Motor Bar & Features .

Select a topic for more information:

• Buying the Correct Trolling Motor

• Compatible Garmin Chartplotters, Pairing Procedure, Enabling the Trolling Motor Bar & Features

• Built-in Transducer Compatibility

• Installing the Trolling Motor

• Preparing for First Use (Calibration Procedures)

• Trolling Motor Registration, Software Update Process & Changelog

• Cruise Control, Gesture Control, and Anchor Lock

• General Care, Inspection and Maintenance

• Replacing Various Trolling Motor Hardware Components

Buying the Correct Trolling Motor

When purchasing a Garmin trolling motor, it is important to factor in buying the appropriate shaft length, whether use is planned to accompany a compatible Garmin chartplotter, and whether a built-in transducer will be used or needed. As a standalone product, it is not necessary to connect a built-in transducer (if equipped).

The Force® trolling motor (in 50" & 57") includes a built-in GT54UHD designed for use with compatible Garmin chartplotters. For more information on this see Built-in Transducer Compatibility . 

The Force® Pro trolling motor (50" & 57") includes a built-in GT56UHD-TR.

The Force® Kraken trolling motor in black (63" & 75") includes a built-in GT56UHD-TR.

The Force® Kraken trolling motor in white (63", 75" & 90") do not include a built-in transducer.

All Force® Kraken trolling motors feature a designated installation location to bolt on a compatible LiveScope™ live sonar transducer bracket mount (purchase of 010-12832-70 required). For more information click here .

With both the Force® trolling motor, Force® Pro trolling motor, and the Force Kraken® trolling motor, accessories are sold that make it possible to eliminate having a built-in transducer as well as making it possible to add or replace with a Garmin GT TM (transom) transducer, GT TR (trolling motor) transducer, or no built-in transducer which then adds support for adding on an externally mounted 3rd party transducer. For more information on this click here .

For important and detailed information about the transducer removal and third-party solutions, see Installing the Trolling Motor .

At this time, Garmin trolling motors are available with a 48", 50", 57", 63", 75" or 90" shaft length. To avoid cavitation and ensure proper motor operation, selecting a trolling motor with an appropriate shaft length is necessary.

To determine which shaft length is needed, measure the distance between the surface of the boat’s bow to the waterline.

*Only Force® Kraken trolling motors (63" & 75") in black include a built-in GT556UHD-TR transducer. Hardware to build-in or remove a built-in transducer is available for these models from the ACCESSORIES section of the trolling motor product page referenced click here . The 90" trolling motor is not sold with a built-in transducer. For more information on adding or removing a transducer from a trolling motor click here . All Force® Kraken trolling motors feature a designated installation location for a compatible LiveScope™ live sonar transducer. For more information on this click here .

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Compatible Garmin Chartplotters, Pairing Procedure, Enabling Trolling Motor Bar & Features

The following chartplotters, support the Force Trolling Motor Bar. For a list of available features and functions, see Trolling Motor Bar Features below.

NOTE: Software must be up to date. See device owners manual for how-to-instructions in operating the trolling motor.

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Built-in Transducer Compatibility

The built-in GT54UHD transducer on the Force® trolling motor is identical in specifications to that of the GT54UHD-TM. It features CHIRP traditional, ultra high definition ClearVu and SideVu sonar views, and can monitor water depth and temperature. The wired transducer must be physically connected to the back of a compatible Garmin chartplotter, but is not required to be connected, if not being used.

For more information on the GT54UHD transducer, see the GT54UHD-TM product page here.

Additional hardware for adding or replacing the GT54UHD transducer is covered here .

The built-in GT56UHD-TR transducer on the black Force® Kraken and Force® Pro trolling motors features CHIRP traditional, ultra high definition ClearVu and SideVu sonar views, and can monitor water depth and temperature. The wired transducer must be physically connected to the back of a compatible Garmin chartplotter, but is not required to be connected, if not being used.

Force® Kraken trolling motors without a built-in transducer are white, and it is possible to add a Garmin GT TM (transom) transducer, GT TR (trolling motor) transducer, or no built-in transducer which then adds support for adding on an externally mounted 3rd party transducer.  

If adding a transducer or replacing a physically damaged transducer, there are several GT56UHD-TR options:

• • Garmin GT56UHD-TR for 63" Force® Kraken Trolling Motor

  • Garmin GT56UHD-TR for 75" Force® Kraken Trolling Motor

  • Garmin GT56UHD-TR for the Force® and Force® Pro Trolling Motor

  • For instructions on adding a built-in transducer to a 90" Force® Trolling Motor contact Product Support

Additional hardware for adding or replacing the GT56UHD-TR transducer on the 63" & 75" trolling motor is covered here . For instructions on adding a built-in transducer to a 90" Force® Trolling Motor contact Product Support.

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Installing the Force Trolling Motor

IMPORTANT: Do not run the trolling motor when the propeller is out of the water. Contact with the rotating propeller may result in severe injury to the operator. Do not use the trolling motor in areas where the operator or other people in the water may come into contact with the rotating propeller. Always disconnect the trolling motor from the battery before cleaning or servicing the propeller to avoid injury.

Install the trolling motor on the bow of the boat. It is recommended to install the trolling motor on the port side of the bow, but it can be installed on the starboard side if necessary. Install the mount so the deployed motor is as close to the center of the boat as possible. For written step-by-step instructions, see the Installation Instructions on the Manuals page here.

This video provides helpful installation guidance for the Force® Trolling Motor:

This video provides helpful installation guidance for the Force® Kraken Trolling Motor:

See the appropriate trolling motor manual for full instructions.

The built-in transducer (if equipped) can be left disconnected and stowed away in a dry area, and or connected to a compatible Garmin chartplotter. A Garmin GT transducer can be added, replaced or removed with the required purchase of accessories; for more information on this click here .

On Force® Trolling Motors (50" & 57") where the transducer is not needed, or a different transducer needs to be installed, Garmin provides the following accessories:

• • 50" Force® Trolling Motor Accessories

  • 57" Force® Trolling Motor Accessories

On Force® Kraken Trolling Motors the 63" & 75" models in white do not include a built-in transducer, however a Garmin GT transducer can be added, replaced or removed with the required purchase of accessories. Kraken trolling motors are machined to support the direct installation of a LiveScope™ live sonar transducer (LVS 32, LVS 34 & LVS 62) utilizing an adapter disc.  Black trolling motors include a built-in transducer and the the built-in transducer can be removed. Making changes to the trolling motor will require the purchase of additional accessories.

Accessories for the Force Kraken Trolling Motor:

• • White 63" Force® Kraken Trolling Motor Accessories

  • Black 63" Force® Kraken Trolling Motor Accessories

  • White 75" Force® Kraken Trolling Motor Accessories

  • Black 75" Force® Kraken Trolling Motor Accessories

  • White 90" Force® Kraken Trolling Motor Accessories

IMPORTANT: A transducer replacement kit containing O-rings and compressions seals is a required purchase to restore original factory waterproofing if disassembly involves removing components already using O-rings and compression seals. If removing a transducer or adding a transducer of different dimensions (example being going from a GT56UHD-TR to a GT52HW-TM transducer), the purchase of a nose cone is required. 

Garmin trolling motors must be connected to a thermal 60A 42V rated circuit breaker such as Garmin part number 010-12832-40,. It is recommend that it be waterproof and ignition protected. The trolling motor may be powered by either a 24V or a 36V DC system.

Optionally, a power receptacle such as Garmin part number 010-12832-42, and a matching power plug such as Garmin part number 010-12832-42 can be used in an installation for a quick release when a direct installation to the battery is not desired. Whether 24V or 36V, the plug and receptacle sold by Garmin utilizes only two wires leaving one pin or receptacle not connected to anything. This receptacle and plug is only intended for use of up to 6AWG wire. Installations requiring heavier AWG must be directly wired to the battery, unless a heavier duty 3rd party receptacle can be sourced. The circuit breaker referenced above would connect inline on the positive cable between the receptacle and the battery.

NOTE: Wire Size 8AWG and 6AWG- 4AWG can be used with 4AWG Ferulles (not provided)

The power supply logic board automatically detects the appropriate voltage, and no manual configuration is needed.

Garmin trolling motors can also be connected wireless to a compatible Garmin chartplotter by following the instructions in the chartplotter owners manual. Additional calibration procedures will be required for features such as gesture control, navigation, and anchor lock to work.

To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to update the software on the chartplotter before pairing. See Garmin Marine Device Software Updates. Garmin Express or ActiveCaptain® app can be used to update the software on the chartplotter. ActiveCaptain® ap must be used to update the software of the trolling motor. See Updating the Software of the Force® Trolling Motor and Force® Kraken Trolling Motor, Remote, and Foot Pedal.  ActiveCaptain® app will also provide the opportunity to register trolling motor.

NOTE: Trolling motors come with an optional stabilizer bar that can provide additional support when in the stowed position. To accommodate shaft mounted transducers, the stow position of the trolling motor can be set with the Floating Remote. See owners manual for additional instructions.

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Preparing for First Use (Calibration Procedures)

Upon completion of installation, it is necessary to do the bow offset using the floating remote control, the trolling motor compass calibration procedure (using the wireless foot pedal or outboard motor), and the floating remote control compass calibration (using the floating remote control). These procedures are required for waypoint and route navigation, heading hold gesture control, as well as for anchor lock. The bow offset and floating remote control compass calibration procedure can be performed with the boat on a trailer, while the trolling motor compass calibration must be done on the water, when there is little wind and calm water.

Learning to stow and deploy the trolling motor, as well as the features and functions of the wireless foot pedal & floating remote control will be necessary for safe operation and completion of calibration processes. For detailed operation instructions of the wireless foot pedal, floating remote control and how to stow and deploy the trolling motor, see the owner manual here.

Floating Remote Tip: When navigating through the menu on the remote, press the up or down arrow to scroll through each available option until the desired menu item is found. To select the desired menu item, press the right arrow.  To go back, press the left arrow. To exit the menu, press the menu button.

The following video provides instructions for the bow offset and compass calibration procedures:

The Bow Offset takes into account the installation angle of the trolling motor, as after installation, the trolling motor is generally not installed parallel with the center line of the boat.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the trolling motor is adjusted/moved during calibration a prop not spinning issue may occur. Keep the trolling motor fully deployed during the calibration procedures.

Remote Calibration Notice: Calibrate the electronic compass outdoors. To improve heading accuracy, do not stand near objects that influence magnetic fields, such as vehicles, buildings, and overhead power lines.

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Trolling Motor Registration, Software Update Process & Change Log

Unless registered to a previous owner, the trolling motor is automatically registered when it is paired with the ActiveCaptain® app. 

Pairing, Registering & Updating the Trolling Motor with ActiveCaptain® app:

• • Step-by-step instructions and videos for pairing the trolling motor with ActiveCaptain® app may be found in our FAQ titled Registering the Force® Trolling Motor and Force® Kraken Trolling Motor by Garmin
    
    
  • The software changelog, videos and step-by-step instructions for updating the Garmin trolling motor software with ActiveCaptain® app may be found in our FAQ titled Force® Trolling Motor and Force® Kraken Trolling Motor, Remote, and Foot Pedal Software Update

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Cruise Control, Anchor Lock & Gesture Control

The cruise control feature is an autopilot function that sets and maintains a specific speed over ground, adjusting for changes in current and wind automatically.

NOTE: The cruise control feature can only be enabled via the remote control and trolling motor bar. Control over the speed and direction can be done with the remote control, trolling motor bar and foot pedal.

The anchor lock feature is an autopilot function that uses GPS to set and maintain position, acting as if a physical anchor has been deployed.

The gesture control feature can be used to steer the motor, adjust the heading hold, and adjust the anchor locked position.

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General Care, Inspection and Maintenance

The following guidance for general care is provided to safeguard the trolling motor against the elements and maintain the warranty. Routine care, inspection, and replacement of wearable parts, along with troubleshooting steps have been put together to keep the trolling motor on the water for years to come.

The frequency of general care, inspection of wearable parts, and maintenance may need to be increased when transporting the trolling motor through dry or dusty environments such as gravel roads, construction zones, along routes where farming equipment is in use, etc.

Replacing Various Trolling Motor Hardware Components

The Trolling Motor Maintenance Manual's for the 50" & 57" Force® trolling motor as well as the 63", 75" & 90" Force® Kraken trolling motor include written instructions and images for maintaining and replacing parts.

The following videos are for the 63", 75" and 90" Force® Kraken trolling motor only. These videos are only to be used if maintenance is required or it becomes necessary to replace the defective or damaged components shown in the video.

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