2023 Force Kraken Lifestyle Photography
Garmin’s trolling motor revolutionizes angling.
Written by Gregg Mansfield
Before Garmin launched its Force Kraken, charter captain Eric Davis was already testing the product and offering insights to the electronics company.
Davis believes the Force Kraken significantly enhances fishing technology and simplifies the fishing process.
“When pursuing or fishing near schools, it’s remarkably quiet,” Davis noted while navigating the Pathfinder 2400 Open. “These motors are so silent that they allow anglers to approach fish closely. It’s incredibly advantageous for the fisherman.”
Davis attributes the distinctiveness of the Force Kraken to its advanced technology. The trolling motor employs GPS along with an altitude and heading reference system (AHRS) to maintain exact boat positions over underwater structures or shallow areas.
Charter captain Eric Davis showcases the remote on the innovative trolling motor.
With wireless integration to Garmin chartplotters, anglers can design paths and tracks for the motor to follow while fishing. For Davis, the wireless remote feature is among the top advantages as it allows navigation from anywhere on the boat.
While positioned at the front of the Pathfinder, Davis directed the remote towards a rocky shoreline, and the boat responded accordingly. The remote enables the angler to utilize virtual anchoring and autopilot features. Control of the trolling motor is also possible through a Garmin smartwatch.
Selected Kraken models come with a built-in GT56UHD all-in-one transducer that includes Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar, as well as CHIRP traditional sonar for improved imaging of fish and structures below and alongside the boat. Additional Garmin transducers can be incorporated.
Anglers have the option to install forward-facing sonar such as LiveScope on a pivot-style trolling motor. The transducer cable can be routed through the trolling motor shaft thanks to the Kraken’s new LiveScope cable management framework. The Kraken LiveScope Mounting Bracket facilitates the installation and operation of any LiveScope transducer in all three modes—forward, down, and perspective.
The Kraken features a brushless motor that employs a high-efficiency propeller, generating 100 pounds of thrust on a 36-volt system or 80 pounds on a 24-volt system. While other motors may boast a higher thrust figure, Garmin adheres to more stringent international measurement standards.
“This is the most robust motor available today,” Davis asserted. “I’ve operated numerous trolling motors, and without a doubt, the (Kraken) is the strongest I’ve encountered.”
Davis uses three batteries on his boat for the Force Kraken, with the system notifying him of low battery levels.
“I’ve never drained it completely. You’d need to use it extensively for that to occur,” Davis mentioned. “It provides warnings, and as battery voltage decreases, the alerts become more frequent.”
Garmin’s Kraken is available in white with 63-, 75-, and 90-inch shaft lengths, or in black with 63- and 75-inch lengths. Each black model includes a GT56UHD transducer.
Debuting in late 2023, the Kraken retails for between $3,700 and $4,300, based on the chosen model.
Visit Garmin Marine at www.garmin.com