AS a first-time boat owner, selecting an electric motor for my 4.8m aluminium side console boat, was a task I needed to consider carefully to ensure the motor would fit the boat and my needs. The boat will be primarily used for river and estuary work, a small amount of impoundment fishing and on inshore reefs when the weather allowed, estimated at 20% of total usage.
My list of ‘must have’ features included battery use efficiency, ease of deployment, good GPS compatibility with anchor lock function, enough power to hold position in up to 4 knots of current and wind, precise control through a foot pedal or wireless remote, quiet operation and be designed for saltwater use.
After consulting with experienced fishers and doing some thorough research, in the end, the purchase decision was relatively easy – the GARMIN FORCE. There are also some additional benefits achieved through integration of the FORCE via WiFi with GARMIN chartplotters.
What makes the GARMIN FORCE Special?
GARMIN, a global leader in GPS mapping technology and marine electronics released the FORCE electric trolling motor in mid 2019, which was its first venture into a market dominated by two established brands.
Brushless Motor – When launched in 2019, the FORCE’s brushless motor was a game changer as it has noticeably reduced operating noise to near silent levels compared with brushed motors below and above the water. This makes a huge difference by allowing me to approach and move in the vicinity of fish without spooking them. The brushless motor design is also extremely efficient and powerful, having longer run times and the flexibility to operate using 24V (80lb max thrust) or 36V (100lb max thrust) – GARMIN claims that when running at 24V, it is more efficient and delivers more thrust than competitors’ 36V motors. I can use the motor all day on a fully charged dedicated lithium phosphate 100Ah 24V battery and use less than half of its capacity – very impressive. The 24V set-up can move the boat at up to 5kn with its 20 step variable speed control which is more than enough to hold the boat over an offshore reef in wind and current. It’s also perfect to troll bibbed lures for flathead in shallow estuaries and rivers without spooking them and would likewise, be ideal for trolling bibbed lures & Tassie devils for impoundment trout.
GPS functions – It comes with a high sensitivity built-in GPS with built-in autopilot and integrated heading sensor providing functions such as anchor lock, heading hold and cruise control. The GPS initially needs to be calibrated by performing a series of tight circles through clear instructions via the hand-held remote. It has the ability to vary the GPS sensitivity to suit the size of your boat and thereby controlling how hard the motor works on anchor lock to regulate the set movement range – an innovative feature that makes the anchor lock one of the best available.
Wireless controls – A hand-held wireless remote that floats with sunlight-readable display and wireless foot control (with the option for hardwire installation) is included with the motor. Both are IPX7 waterproof rated and can be submerged in up to 1m of water for up to 30 min. The hand-held remote is a $500 -$600 option with most competitor brands. The remote’s display has all the information you need and a unique point & go ‘Gesture Control’ feature that allows you to point the control in the direction you want to go and the motor will steer and move you on that course. In practice, it’s very easy to use and works extremely well.
Other features
The unit is secured to the boat through a ‘scissor style’ mount featuring a dual gas spring lift-assist system. Weighing a hefty 31kg, the 57” shaft model fitted to my boat is very easy to deploy and retract using the wire pull cord that also locks the motor in place for travelling and when not in use. The supplied Velcro strap provides added assurance that it doesn’t move in any conditions. Unfortunately, there is no quick-release mechanism available, so the motor is fixed to the boat.
A standard inclusion is a ‘built-in’ GARMIN GT54 Ultra High-Definition transducer fitted to the base of the motor and when wirelessly paired with compatible GARMIN sounders (I have GARMIN Echomap Ultra units) gives traditional CHIRP, UHD ClearVu and Side Vu sonar coverage from the front of the boat. It can also be easily fitted with the much lauded GARMIN LiveScope forward real-time scanning sonar system without the additional clutter and weight of aftermarket poles and associated wiring. Wireless integration with compatible GARMIN chartplotters allows the FORCE to be controlled through them, and create and follow routs and tracks. The remote also has user-programmable buttons for wireless chartplotter control.
The FORCE is designed for salt & fresh water and is backed with a 3-year warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the shaft. Software updates can be uploaded via the GARMIN Active Captain app. with spare parts including replacement skegs and props are readily available.
Possible improvements
It would be very handy to include or have an option to fit a fast-release system so the motor can easily be removed from the boat. This would be ideal to reduce the weight of the boat on a trip,for example, trolling skirted lures for game fish at 7-8 kn when an electric motor is not needed.
Owners of larger boats (5m+) would possibly require a longer shaft up to 90” (currently 50” or 57” available), to hold anchor lock on offshore reefs. The FORCE only comes in black which compliments my grey boat perfectly – a white option may be preferred by some boat owners with white boats.
GARMIN’s first electric trolling motor demonstrates how a thoughtful approach to product design can produce a hi-quality, robust and innovative product that rivals, and in many areas, exceeds the features and benefits of comparable products from established competitors. In addition, if your boat is fitted with compatible GARMIN devices, the FORCE is elevated to a more compelling option.
Editor’s Note: Since the article was written, GARMIN has released The FORCE Kracken Trolling Motor that addresses some of the suggested improvements in Chris’ review.
For more information visit: Force Trolling Motors | Garmin
