Garmin Force Kraken Review – Check What It Can Offer

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Garmin Force Kraken delivers unmatched thrust, long-range precision anchoring, and ultra-quiet performance. If you’re looking for a trolling motor that balances cutting-edge features, user-friendly design, and power efficiency, the Force Kraken hits a perfect balance for your fishing adventures.

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What Garmin Force Kraken Offer?

  • The Garmin Force Kraken has a high-efficiency brushless motor for delivering powerful thrust while remaining ultra-quiet.
  • Garmin Force Kraken has multi-band GPS with AHRS for maintaining precise boat positioning and stable anchor lock.
  • It includes a wireless foot pedal and handheld remote for flexible, hands-free control and seamless maneuvering.
  • The Garmin Force Kraken supports full integration with Garmin chartplotters to enable on-screen route navigation, anchor control, and waypoints for streamlined fishing.
  • Garmin Force Kraken has a corrosion-resistant build and pivot-style mount for enhancing durability in saltwater conditions and stable deployment on rough waters.
  • It features an advanced anchor lock with jog functionality to maintain position and shift slightly without manual adjustment.
  • The Garmin Force Kraken offers optional auto stow and deploy with the Kraken Winch for reducing setup time and physical effort during launch or retrieval.
  • Garmin Force Kraken is compatible with Garmin sonar systems to access high-resolution fish-finding data directly beneath the motor.

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Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Extremely powerful yet whisper-quiet motor

  • Accurate GPS anchor lock with jog feature

  • Seamless integration with Garmin chartplotters

  • Wireless foot pedal and remote included

  • Built tough for saltwater use

  • Long shaft options for deep boats or offshore conditions

  • Great battery efficiency and runtime

Cons
  • Premium price

  • Auto stow/deploy requires additional accessories

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Comparison

FeatureGarmin Force KrakenMinn Kota Ultrex QuestLowrance Ghost Trolling Motor
Thrust PowerUp to 100 lbsUp to 115 lbsUp to 97 lbs
Motor TypeBrushlessBrushlessBrushless
Shaft Length Options63″, 75″, 90″45″, 52″, 60″47″, 52″, 60″
GPS Anchor LockYesYesYes
Remote ControlYesYesYes
Chartplotter IntegrationYesYesYes
Sonar SupportYesYesYes
Saltwater ReadyYesNoNo
Auto Stow/DeployOptionalNoNo
PriceCheck Kraker PriceCheck Quest PriceCheck Motor Price

FAQ

Is the Garmin Force Kraken compatible with all Garmin chartplotters?
The Force Kraken works best with newer Garmin chartplotters like the GPSMAP and ECHOMAP series, ensuring full functionality such as route navigation, anchor lock, and remote control from the display.

Does the Force Kraken work in saltwater environments?
Yes, the Force Kraken is built for both freshwater and saltwater, with advanced corrosion-resistant materials that hold up well in harsh marine conditions.

How quiet is the Force Kraken compared to other motors?
Thanks to its brushless motor design, the Force Kraken operates almost silently, which is especially helpful when fishing in shallow water or stalking skittish species.

Can I use the Kraken without a chartplotter?
Yes, it can function independently with the included wireless remote and foot pedal, though you’ll get the most advanced features when it’s paired with a Garmin chartplotter.

What’s the difference between the Force and the Force Kraken?
The original Force is designed primarily for freshwater and shallower use, while the Kraken offers longer shaft lengths, better saltwater durability, and improved anchor lock with AHRS.

Does the Kraken come with auto stow and deploy?
Not by default, but it can be upgraded with the optional Kraken Winch accessory for auto stow/deploy capabilities.

How strong is the anchoring feature in windy or current-heavy areas?
The multi-band GPS and AHRS system allow for remarkably stable anchoring, even in rough conditions, holding your boat securely in place with minimal drift.

Is installation difficult for the Force Kraken?
While it’s more involved than a basic trolling motor, Garmin provides detailed guides, and many users opt to have it professionally installed—especially when integrating with chartplotters.

What size boat is the Force Kraken best suited for?
It’s ideal for larger fishing boats, deep-V hulls, and offshore rigs due to its longer shaft lengths and high thrust, but it can be used on mid-size boats as well.

Can the Kraken jog or reposition the boat while in anchor lock?
Yes, the jog function allows you to move the boat in small increments in any direction, helping you fine-tune your position without breaking anchor.

Is the foot pedal wireless or wired?
The included foot pedal is wireless, offering flexibility in where you position it on the boat and reducing cable clutter.

Does it drain the battery quickly with its powerful thrust?
No, the brushless motor is designed for energy efficiency, giving you extended operation time without compromising on thrust or performance.

Can I upgrade my current Garmin Force to a Kraken?
No, they are different models with distinct designs, but many accessories like the remote and foot pedal may be shared or compatible between models.

Is there sonar built into the Force Kraken?
The Kraken does not come with built-in sonar, but it supports external Garmin sonar transducers, which can be easily integrated for full fish-finding capabilities.

What’s the benefit of AHRS in the Force Kraken?
AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) improves stability by correcting for boat motion and ensuring precise heading, making your anchor lock more reliable even in choppy waters.

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