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.

Choosing the right shaft length

Showing bow to water line measurement example

Bow to Waterline Distance	Recommended Length	Garmin Trolling Motor	Built-in Transducer
0" - 19"	50"	Force® Trolling Motor	GT54UHD
15" - 26"	57"	Force® Trolling Motor	GT54UHD
0" - 34"	63"	Force® Kraken Trolling Motor	*Optional GT56UHD-TR
26" - 46"	75"	Force® Kraken Trolling Motor	*Optional GT56UHD-TR
38" - 61"	90"	Force® Kraken Trolling Motor	*Optional to add
0" - 19"	50"	Force® Pro Trolling Motor	GT56UHD-TR
15" - 26"	57"	Force® Pro Trolling Motor	GT56UHD-TR

*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.

Garmin Trolling Motors are Compatible with the following Garmin Chartplotters

Compatible ECHOMAP™ chartplotters:

- ECHOMAP™ Plus 7x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ Plus 9x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ UHD 7x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ UHD 9x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ UHD2 5x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ UHD2 6x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ UHD2 7x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ UHD2 9x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ Ultra 10x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ Ultra 12x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 10x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 12x chartplotters
Compatible GPSMAP® chartplotters:

To pair the Trolling Motor

1. Turn on the chartplotter and the trolling motor
2. Enable the Wi‑Fi network on the chartplotter (see chartplotter owners manual for instructions on Setting Up the Wi‑Fi Wireless Network)
3. If multiple chartplotters are connected on the Garmin Marine Network, make sure this chartplotter is the host of the Wi‑Fi network
4. On the chartplotter, select Settings > Communications > Wireless Devices > Garmin Trolling Motor
5. On the trolling motor display panel, press three times to enter pairing mode
  TIP: This symbol appears on the trolling motor display panel in solid blue as it searches for a connection to the chartplotter, and turns green when the connection is successful.

Enabling the Trolling Motor Bar

1. Open a screen where the trolling motor bar is desired to appear
2. Select an option:
  - From a combination page or *SmartMode layout, select Menu > Edit > Overlays
  - From a full screen, select Menu > Edit Overlays
3. Select Top Bar or Bottom Bar
4. Select Trolling Motor Bar

Repeat these steps to add the trolling motor controls to all of the screens that are to have control of the trolling motor.

*NOTE: SmartMode is a feature exclusive to the GPSMAP® chartplotter, and is not available on other chartplotter models.

Trolling Motor Bar Features

The Trolling Motor Bar is able to do the following:

- - Provide current battery status
  - Turn the propeller on and off
  - Reduce, increase, and monitor the current speed
  - Engage cruise control (which maintains speed based on speed over ground (SOG)
  - Instantaneously engage to full speed
  - Activate anchor lock to hold position
  - Use the left and right arrows to steer the trolling motor (when in anchor lock doing this jogs the trolling motor forward, backward, left or right)
  - Enable a heading hold (when heading hold is engaged, an autopilot bar will appear in the trolling motor status bar

The Settings Menu on the Trolling Motor bar provides access to the following:

- - Calibration of the trolling motor compass
  - Adjustments to anchor gain (default setting is 5)
  - Fine tuning navigation gain (default setting is 5)
  - Heading hold mode
  - Arrival Mode
    (WARNING: Responsibility for the safe operation of the boat is on the vessel operator. When using the Manual setting for the Arrival Mode option, the operate must be ready to take control of the boat)
  - Auto Power On
  - Prop Stow Side
  - Shortcut Keys
  - Restore Defaults

Pairing a quatix® 7 watch

For written instructions on pairing a quatix® 7 watch with a Force® refer to the watch owners manual. For a video demonstration of the process see the video 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.

NOTE: The cable length for the GT56UHD-TR is designed for 63" and 75" Force® Kraken trolling motors with factory-installed transducer. When it comes to adding, removing, or replacing a transducer on white trolling motors the purchase of accessories is required and the 90" model does not support the GT56UHD-TR. For instructions on adding a built-in transducer to a 90" Force® Trolling Motor contact Product Support. More information on this is available here.

GT54UHD & GT56UHD transducer compatibility with the following Garmin chartplotters

Unless otherwise stated below, the following models are compatible with the GT54UHD & GT56UHD transducer built-in to the Garmin trolling motor (if equipped; see Built-in Transducer Compatibility).

Compatible ECHOMAP™ chartplotters:

NOTE: Models listed below (unless indicated otherwise) work with the built-in GT54UHD or GT56UHD on the Garmin trolling motor (if equipped) with considerations from the FAQ Garmin Marine Network Sharing Compatibility.

- *ECHOMAP™ Plus 7x chartplotters | *ECHOMAP™ Plus 9xsv chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ UHD 7x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ UHD 9x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ UHD2 6x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ UHD2 7x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ UHD2 9x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ Ultra 10x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ Ultra 12x chartplotters
- ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 10x chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 12x chartplotters

*The 50" & 57" Force® Trolling Motor's built-in GT54UHD transducer is detected as a GT52HW. The ECHOMAP™ Plus chartplotters will not work with the GT56UHD-TR on the black Force® Kraken trolling motors unless connected to and Garmin Marine Networked to ECHOMAP™ chartplotter that is compatible with the GT56UHD-TR.

NOTE: 6" & 7" ECHOMAP™ cv chartplotters are not compatible with the included built-in transducer of a Garmin trolling motor. Compatibility with the built-in trolling motors begins with the 6" & 7" sv models only factoring in this information and the models listed above.

GPSMAP® chartplotters with a built-in 12-pin sonar support will have xsv after the model. Compatible GPSMAP® chartplotters below exclude mentioning xsv and are models that if equipped with a built-in sonar module fully support the the built-in transducer of a Garmin trolling motor:

NOTE: Certain XS & chartplotters without built-in sonar may be networked to XSV model (listed above) to display sonar from a GT54UHD-TR or GT56UHD on the Garmin trolling motor (if equipped). For more information see considerations from the FAQ Garmin Marine Network Sharing Compatibility.

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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:

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.

Setting the bow offset

1. 1. Begin with the trolling motor powered on
  2. Power on the trolling motor floating remote control
    - On the Remote select > Settings > Trolling Motor > Calibrate > Bow Offset
    - Using the remote control, adjust the angle of the trolling motor so it aligns with the center line of the boat , pointing straight forward

Setting the bow offset

Trolling motor compass calibration

1. Navigate the boat to an open area of calm water and come to a full stop, remaining stationary when the process begins
2. Make sure the trolling motor is deployed
3. On the Remote select > Settings > Trolling Motor > Calibrate > Compass
4. Using the foot pedal or outboard motor to steer, follow the on-screen instructions

Remote control compass calibration

- On the Remote select > Settings > Remote > Calibrate > Compass
- Using the foot pedal or outboard motor to steer, follow the on-screen instructions

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.

Enabling cruise control

1. On the remote control, press
  
  Cruise control is enabled at the present speed
2. Using the remote control or foot pedal, adjust the speed as needed
3. Using the remote control or foot pedal, adjust the heading as needed

To disable cruise control and turn off the propeller, press Cruise control button icon

Enabling anchor lock

1. If necessary, drive the boat to a desired location to set the anchor lock
2. On the remote control or foot pedal, select
  - Adjust the anchor lock position 1.5 m (5 ft.) by pressing an arrow key on the remote control, or by using gesture controls

To disable anchor lock, press Anchor lock button icon again, or steer with the foot pedal

Using gesture control to steer:

1. If necessary, turn on the propeller
2. Hold
3. While holding , point the remote control to the left or right to steer port or starboard
4. Release to stop steering

Using gesture control to adjust heading hold

1. If necessary, turn on the propeller
2. Hold
3. Point the remote control toward the desired heading
4. Release to set the heading direction

Using gesture control to adjust the anchor locked position

1. Hold .
2. Point the remote control in the direction of the preferred position
  
  The position jogs 1.5 m (5 ft.) in the direction preferred
3. Release
4. Repeat this procedure until in the preferred 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.

General care of the trolling motor

- After using the trolling motor in salt water or brackish water, rinse off the entire motor with fresh water, and apply a water-based silicone spray using a soft cloth. Avoid spraying jets of water at the shaft cap when rinsing the motor
- Clean the stow and deploy latch mechanism, see Maintenance below for additional information
- Clean the anodes in the propeller drive motor, see Maintenance below for additional information
- Clean mount rail or bumper, clearing dust and debris using compressed air
  - If necessary, rinse the mount rail or bumper
  - Clear excess water with a cloth or compressed air

Inspecting the trolling motor

- Inspect the power cable for wear. patch or repair the cable if possible
  - If replacement is necessary, see Maintenance below for additional information
- Inspect the power cable connection to the terminals on the junction box to ensure they are tight
  - If the seal where the junction box connects to the servo is damaged or missing, see the Maintenance section below
- Check the mount rail and mount bumper for signs of corrosion and the accumulation of debris from the elements
  - See General Care above
  - If replacement mount rails are needed, see Maintenance below
- Inspect the latch retention mechanism to ensure that it clean and free of corrosion and debris, if a latch retention mechanism is not present see Maintenance below

Trolling motor maintenance

- If the power cable is beyond patching or repair, see the Trolling Motor Maintenance Manual for instructions and the replacement part number
- Routinely lubricate the hinges, bushings, as well as the stow and deploy latch mechanism
- If replacement mount rails are needed, see the Trolling Motor Maintenance Manual for instructions and the replacement part number
- If the anodes in the propeller drive motor are in need of replacement, see the Trolling Motor Maintenance Manual for instructions and the replacement part number
- Over time it is possible that the trolling motor shaft may slip. To prevent this behavior, see Force® Trolling Motor and Force® Kraken Trolling Motor Depth Adjustment Collar Maintenance
- In situations where the shaft cap is in need of replacement, see Opening, Removing, and Reinstalling the Shaft Cap of the Force® Trolling Motor and Force® Kraken Trolling Motor
- If the seal where the junction box connects to the servo is damaged or missing, see null
  NOTE: This is only for the 50" & 57" Force® Trolling Motor
- If the Force® Trolling Motor latch retention mechanism is in need of replacement, or is missing, see null
  NOTE: This is only for the 50" & 57" Force® Trolling Motor
  NOTE: For replacement parts and additional maintenance instructions, see the Trolling Motor Maintenance Manual. For missing parts, contact Marine Product Support.

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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.

Hardware Replacement Videos:

The following videos are organized by what can be replaced from the top down.

Antenna Box Replacement:

Shaft Cap Replacement:

Sub-Assembly Replacement:

Mount Shroud Replacement:

Cradle Hardware Replacement:

Latch Pusher Hardware Replacement:

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