Force Trolling Motor Latch Retention Kit

The safety strap included with the Garmin Force Trolling Motor must be secured when the trolling motor is in the stowed position and the vessel is underway or being towed. Failure to secure the safety strap may allow the trolling motor to deploy, particularly at higher speeds in rough water. If the trolling motor deploys while the vessel is moving, it may cause damage to the trolling motor and increase drag on the vessel.

A latch kit can be installed to increase the rigidity of the latch system in rough conditions while the motor is in the stowed position. The latch kit does not remove the requirement to secure the included safety strap. If the trolling motor was purchased after June of 2020, the latch kit may already be installed. It is possible to determine whether the kit is already installed by comparing the motor to the photos below. Send an email to MarineServiceAlerts@garmin.com to request a latch kit for the motor. The email must include the serial number (located on the back of the steering housing below the cable-junction box, appearing as s/n: 5RXXXXXXX).

For instructions on installing the latch kit, view the Force Trolling Motor Latch Retention Kit Installation Instructions.

For a video on installing the latch kit, view Force Latch Kit Installation.

For information on the service alert, view the Force Trolling Motor Service Alert. 

Securing the Safety Strap

1. With the motor in the stowed position, lift the long end of the strap (1)over the top of the motor

2. Feed the end of the strap through the buckle (2)on the other end of the strap

3. Pull the strap through the buckle until it holds the motor securely to the mount

4. Pull the strap away from the buckle and push down to fasten it to the other side of the strap

Determining Whether or Not the Latch Kit is Installed on the Motor

1. Place the trolling motor into the deployed position

2. Examine the space below the gas spring at the end of the mount (1)

If the motor has the kit installed, the additional bracket (2) located below the gas spring will be visible