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Getting Started with a Garmin Force Trolling Motor

This FAQ is a series of eight separate FAQs and will aid in getting started with the Force Trolling Motor. Refer to the appropriate Force Trolling Motor or 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 units feature wireless functionality, and must be on software version 9.20 or higher. STRIKER units are not compatible with the Garmin Force Trolling Motor. 

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 Force Trolling Motor

When purchasing a new Force 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 the built-in GT54 transducer will be used. As a standalone product, it is not necessary to connect the built-in transducer, and the built-in transducer can also be removed to accommodate the use of the trolling motor with no transducer, or to use with third-party transducers.

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

At this time, Garmin offers the Force Trolling Motor in a 50" and 57" shaft length. To avoid cavitation and ensure proper motor operation, selecting an appropriate shaft length for the Force Trolling Motor is necessary. 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 DistanceRecommended Shaft Length
0" - 19"50"
15" - 26"57"



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.

The Force Trolling Motor is compatible with the following Garmin Chartplotters

    • ECHOMAP Plus 7x cv

    • ECHOMAP Plus 7x sv

    • ECHOMAP Plus 9x sv

    • ECHOMAP UHD 7x cv

    • ECHOMAP UHD 7x sv

    • ECHOMAP UHD 9x sv

    • ECHOMAP UHD2 7x sv

    • ECHOMAP UHD2 9x sv

    • ECHOMAP Ultra 10x sv

    • ECHOMAP Ultra 12x sv

    • GPSMAP 7x2 series

    • GPSMAP 7x2 Plus series

    • GPSMAP 7x3 series

    • GPSMAP 9x2 series

    • GPSMAP 9x2 Plus series

    • GPSMAP 9x3 series

    • GPSMAP 10x2 series

    • GPSMAP 12x2 series

    • GPSMAP 12x2 Plus series

    • GPSMAP 12x2 Touch series

    • GPSMAP 12x3 series

    • GPSMAP 7400 series

    • GPSMAP 7600 series

    • GPSMAP 8400 series

    • GPSMAP 8600 series

    • GPSMAP 8700 Black Box

    • Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System

    • GPSMAP 90xx series

    • GPSMAP 92xx series

To pair the Garmin Force 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 Power button icon three times to enter pairing mode

      TIP: This symbol Pairing symbol icon 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 family of devices, and is not available on ECHOMAP units.

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


Note: Software must be up to date. See device owners manual for how-to-instructions in operating the Force Trolling Motor.


Built-in Transducer Compatibility

The built-in GT54UHD transducer 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.

The GT54UHD transducer is compatible with the following devices

    • ECHOMAP UHD 7x sv

    • ECHOMAP UHD 9x sv

    • ECHOMAP Ultra series

    • GPSMAP 7x3xsv

    • GPSMAP 9x3xsv

    • GPSMAP 12x3xsv

    • GPSMAP 8400xsv

    • GPSMAP 8600xsv

    • GPSMAP 9000xsv

    • GPSMAP 9200xsv


Installing the Force Trolling Motor

IMPORTANT: Do not run the 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 motor in areas where the operator or other people in the water may come into contact with the rotating propeller. Always disconnect the motor from the battery before cleaning or servicing the propeller to avoid injury.


Install the motor on the bow of the boat. It is recommended to install the 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 also provides helpful installation instructions:

See the Force Trolling Motor installation manual for full instructions. 

The optional built-in transducer can be left disconnected and stowed away in a dry area, and or connected to a compatible Garmin chartplotter. For installations where the transducer is not needed, or a different transducer will be installed, we provide the following accessories:

    • 010-12832-25 Transducer Replacement Kit (Third-party Transducer Equipment)

    • 020-00301-00 Nose Cone (which includes the Transducer Replacement Kit above)

    • 010-12832-20 Nose Cone (Used to install replacement GT20, GT22, GT24, GT52, and GT54 transducers)

    • 010-12832-22 Nose Cone (Used to install 3rd party transducers, such as those that use hose clamps)


IMPORTANT: 010-12832-22 Nose Cone is not recommended as a standalone purchase when disassembly of the motor and or transducer replacement is required, as it does not include the o-rings and compressions seals needed to restore original factory waterproofing.


The Force Trolling Motor 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 Force 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. The circuit breaker referenced above would connect inline on the positive cable between the receptacle and the battery.

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

The Force Trolling Motor 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 for instructions. Garmin Express or ActiveCaptain can be used to update the software on the chartplotter. ActiveCaptain must be used to update the software of the Force Trolling Motor. See Updating the Software of the Force Trolling Motor, Remote, and Foot Pedal.  ActiveCaptain will also provide the opportunity to register the Force Trolling Motor.


NOTE: The Force Trolling Motor comes with an optional stabilizer bar that can provide additional support for the trolling motor when it is 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.


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 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. Begin with the Force Trolling Motor powered on

      2. Power on the Force Trolling Motor floating remote control

        • On the Remote select Three Horizontal Lines Menu > Settings > Trolling Motor > Calibrate > Bow Offset

        • Using the remote control, adjust the angle of the trolling motor Callout number one icon so it aligns with the center line of the boat Callout number two icon , 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 Three Horizontal Lines Menu  > 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 Three Horizontal Lines Menu  > 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.



Force Trolling Motor Registration, Software Update Process & Change Log

The Force Trolling Motor is automatically registered when it is paired with the ActiveCaptain app. 

Before starting the pairing process, the following items will be needed:

      • A smart device (phone or tablet running Android 5.0 or newer or iOS version 11.0 or newer)

      • The ActiveCaptain app

      • Access to Wi-Fi or cellular data

Pairing the Force Trolling Motor with ActiveCaptain

    1. Begin with the Force Trolling Motor powered on

    2. Connect the Force Remote to the Trolling Motor

      • On the Remote select Three Horizontal Lines Menu Example > Settings > Trolling Motor > Wi-Fi > Mode > ActiveCaptain

      • Enter a name and password for this network

    3. Open the ActiveCaptain application on the smart device

    4. Select My Marine Devices

    5. Connect the smart device with the Force Trolling Motor

      • Open the ActiveCaptain application on the smart device

      • Bring the smart device near the Trolling Motor

      • From the smart device settings, open the Wi-F- connections page and connect to the trolling motor, using the name and password entered in the previous step

The Force Trolling Motor is now paired with ActiveCaptain and registered to the email address associated with the ActiveCaptain account.

Trolling Motor Software Change Log

Trolling Motor v5.00

Remote v3.00

Foot Pedal v2.80

      1. Added integration with Power-Pole® Anchors
      2. Remote: Turbo key now requires a double press to engage
      3. Other bug fixes and improvements

Trolling Motor v4.50

Remote v2.80

Foot Pedal v2.70

      1. Fixed an issue where the propeller fails to engage on some units

Trolling Motor v4.30

Remote v2.60

Foot Pedal v2.60

      1. Added support to pair two remotes to the trolling motor
      2. Fixed an issue where turning off compatible chartplotters also turned off the trolling motor

Trolling Motor v4.20

Remote v2.60

Foot Pedal v2.60

      1. Added support for navigating improved Auto Guidance Paths when commanded from a compatible chartplotter

Trolling Motor v4.10

Remote v2.60

Food Pedal v2.60

      1. Fixed an issue where the unit could fail to power on properly with previous SW version
      2. Fixed an issue that could result in chartplotters being unable to sync navigation data
      3. Other improvements and bug fixes

Trolling Motor v4.00

Remote v2.60

Foot Pedal v2.60

      1. Improved navigation data syncing

      2. Made changes to support factory production

      3. Remote: Added a foot pedal version to the about page

      4. Remote: Improved the readability of the about page

Trolling Motor v3.10

Remote v2.50

Foot Pedal v2.60

      1. Changed the system voltage detection to better support lithium batteries

      2. Fixed an issue where propeller turns off when exiting and entering the water

      3. Improved communication with remote and pedal

Trolling Motor v3.00

Remote v2.50

Foot Pedal v2.60

      1. Improved anchor lock speed control

      2. Improved the behavior if the steering system cannot reach the desired angle

      3. Added support for removing an owner by restoring the trolling motor's default settings

      4. Improved software update robustness

      5. Added support to match the new user data changes in GPSMAP 20.00 and ECHOMAP 13.00 software

      6. Foot Pedal: Improved the behavior and added a notification if pedal service is required

      7. Remote: Fixed 'Loader' version reporting in the "About" page

      8. Remote: Fixed instances where some banners would show only once per power cycle

v2.50

      1. Increased the already long battery life of the foot pedal

      2. Added the ability to disable/engage the Heading Hold button on the foot pedal. (Press the heading hold button on the pedal exactly 6 times quickly, LED lights RED for a second to signal disabled, LED lights GREEN for a second to indicate enabled)

v2.40

      1. Added the ability to set the navigation arrival mode as anchor lock or manual. Defaulted to anchor lock

      2. Added a blinking red battery light when the battery is critically low

      3. Reduced foot pedal activity light brightness

      4. Improved foot pedal steering algorithms for easier boat control

      5. Increased remote and foot pedal range during initial pairing

      6. Added a warning message for when the propeller is blocked, and improved the recovery mechanism

v2.30

      1. Several minor remote improvements

      2. A change in the remote UI that allows either showing battery icon (red, yellow, green) or battery voltage. (Menu > Settings > Trolling Motor > Battery)

      3. A change in the remote UI that displays distance and bearing to the anchor point when in anchor lock

      4. A change to allow the boat to remain in anchor lock after a device has disconnected if the unit was in anchor lock prior to the device disconnecting

v2.20

      • Improvements for manufacturability

v2.10

      • Initial release


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 button icon


      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 Anchor lock button icon

      • 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 Manual control button icon

    3. While holding Manual control button icon, point the remote control to the left or right to steer port or starboard

    4. Release Manual control button icon to stop steering

Using gesture control to adjust heading hold

    1. If necessary, turn on the propeller

    2. Hold Heading hold button icon

    3. Point the remote control toward the desired heading

    4. Release Heading hold button icon to set the heading direction

Using gesture control to adjust the anchor locked position

    1. Hold Anchor lock button icon.

    2. Point the remote control in the direction of the desired position


      The position jogs 1.5 m (5 ft.) in the direction desired


    3. Release Anchor lock button icon

    4. Repeat this procedure until in the desired position


General Care, Inspection and Maintenance

The following guidance for general care is provided to safeguard the Garmin 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 Force 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 Force 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 Force 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 

Force Trolling Motor Maintenance

    • If the power cable is beyond patching or repair, see the Force 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 Force 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 Force 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 null

    • In situations where the shaft cap is in need of replacement, see null

    • If the seal where the junction box connects to the servo is damaged or missing, see null

    • If the force trolling motor latch retention mechanism is in need of replacement, or is missing, see null

NOTE: For replacement parts and additional maintenance instructions, see the Force Trolling Motor Maintenance Manual. For missing parts, contact Marine Product Support.




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