Garmin Force Kraken is the new trolling motor of the American company, that is the specific electric motor for fishermen to move around the fishing spots, both in fresh and salt water, without emitting any kind of noise or vibration.

It is the larger version of the award-winning Force, already present in the range since 2019, and redesigned to be even easier to install. The Kraken is therefore an engine that can go on board those boats on which the Force cannot arrive, perhaps due to the shaft being too short or insufficient engine power.

In fact, where the Force cannot reach with its maximum mast length of 57 inches, the Force Kraken can reach us, which is available in longer lengths, specifically in three sizes: 63, 75 and 90 inches, and one thing more to note is that, despite being a superior version, the base of the engine is designed to be installed even on boats with very limited space in the bow.

And speaking of confined spaces, this new trolling motor reassembles very easily when you take it out of the water to put it at rest: just pull the shaft towards you until you bring the motor into its special housing provided in the base fixed to the bow.

Brushless motor and high efficiency propeller for the Garmin Force Kraken

The motor is a latest generation brushless, i.e. it is brushless, so it does not have the overheating problem typical of electric motors, because since there is no contact between the moving parts, there is no type of friction that could generate temperature problems.

But if this is a prerogative of all the latest generation electric motors, the Garmin Force Kraken engine has two important peculiarities of its own: a great autonomy and total silence, not only in terms of noise but also in terms of vibrations.

These are fundamental characteristics for an engine used by a fisherman, because it goes without saying that having the possibility of staying out for a whole day, even with small batteries, without having to go back to the column (according to Garmin tests) , and being able to navigate over the fish without letting them perceive foreign presences, is a notable advantage to strike more easily.

In terms of thrust it is not only the propeller that does all the work of the trolling motor, it is also the propeller, and in this case Garmin uses a high efficiency one with a thinner leading edge to reduce drag and maximize thrust, and a trailing edge designed to reduce the chances of cavitation.

All of this means that the propeller is capable of producing 80 kg of thrust when using the 36 volt system, and 36 kg with a 24 volt system.

Electricity to move, electronics to interact

We have seen how electricity and thrust from the engine and propeller create such an efficiency that they can manage the trolling motor to move even faster from point to point, but also conversely to precisely maintain that slow and steady cruising. regardless of wind and currents, which some fishing techniques require.

But the Garmin Force Kraken isn’t just electric, it’s also electronic, so here we enter a field where we have to indulge ourselves among the multiple functions of the Garmin systems combined with this trolling motor.

First of all, the engine is equipped with the most precise Garmin technology for maintaining the position through the multiband GPS signal (that is, which processes several GPS signals simultaneously to select the most precise positioning), which it associates with the integrated AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) system. Literally: reference system for attitude and direction) very useful for maintaining the course.

In this way the boat can remain stationary in a single point for as long as necessary for fishing actions, but it can also maintain a precise course towards the destination selected by the user, automatically slowing down the boat about one meter from the finish line.

The integration of the Garmin Force Kraken with chartplotters opens up a world of possibilities

We are talking about Garmin and do you want this product not to integrate with the company’s chartplotters to exploit all their potential and functionality?

Of course yes. The Garmin Force Kraken, in fact, can integrate wirelessly with compatible chartplotters and create routes, patterns and tracks to follow while fishing by activating only the trolling motor, which also has a luminous arrow on the head, which indicates at a glance the route to follow without having to look at the display.

However, where it is necessary to consult the plotter and you don’t have the reference one at the bow but need to go to the bridge, the engine can also be controlled remotely from any point of the boat, simply by using the special wireless remote control.

Furthermore, integration with other Garmin systems allows this eclectic trolling motor to benefit from a wide range of features, such as the virtual anchor, the autopilot and point-and-go gesture control, especially since Kraken is also compatible with the quatix 7 smarwatch series, which allows you to manage many functions directly from the wrist and not only from the dashboard.

Kraken compatibility with the transducer to create an integrated network even underwater

In the various Kraken model offerings, some include an integrated GT56UHD all-in-one transducer with Ultra High Definition ClearVü and SideVü technology (click here to see it), with Chirp mode to display extremely detailed images of the seabed, both in the area below the boat and on the sides.

But beyond the standard configuration, additional Garmin transducers can be installed to further increase the levels of detail. Indeed – an absolute novelty for the trolling motor – a FrontVü transducer can also be installed, like the LiveScope in any model, because the special Kraken LiveScope bracket allows you to install them all and make them work in all modes, i.e.: Forward, Down and Perspective.

Read also our article: Garmin LiveScope Plus, the advanced fishfinder with even sharper images

How much does the Garmin Force Kraken cost

Fortunately, the increase in technical aspects is not directly proportional to the increase in cost compared to the Force, because the price of the Garmin Force Kraken starts at 4,449.99 euros, only 400 euros more than the smallest model. Of course, the price varies according to the length of the tree (63, 75 and 90 inches) up to a maximum of 5,199.99 euros.

Furthermore, the price is also defined by the choice of color. Indeed, unlike the Force, the Kraken is available in black and white (which costs 200 euros more), apart from the 90-inch which is only in white. Both models in black come with an included GT56UHD transducer.

The Kraken is a novelty for the 2024 nautical season, but it can be ordered immediately if you want to be sure of being included in the first deliveries scheduled for September 2023.

Strong and durable, the composite mast and all components provide advanced protection against corrosion and salt water. Covered by a 3 year warranty and from one lifetime warranty on shaftthe increasingly extensive network of dealers guarantees assistance and perfect after-sales service.

Click and enter the official Garmin Italia website