Ever since Garmin released the technologically advanced and bulletproof Force Kraken trolling motors, Kayak Angler’s editors have been begging them to add a trolling motor for kayaks. Our begging paid off with the new Force Current all-in-one kayak motor.
The Force Current is both an outboard motor and a trolling motor in one. It has power steer foot pedals that are completely wireless for throttle and steering right at your feet. According Garmin product manager Blake Hughey there are a few different ways to use the pedals.
“You can engage the thrust by pushing forward with your toes. If you have both forward, you’re moving full speed straight ahead. Both backwards, full speed reverse thrust, and then you can do donuts if you want,” Hughey explained to us of the various actions with the pedals, and added “If you offset that control, you have access to heading hold and anchor lock with some foot buttons. You can just whack it with your big toe and you can engage those autopilot modes right at your feet.”
The Force Current also integrates with a Garmin chart plotter and can engage autopilot modes, create routes, mark fishing spots, and stay over them.
There is even a handy remote that provides access any of the features mentioned for the system.
The Force Current runs off a 12- or 24-volt battery. With a 24-volt battery, you get 50 pounds of thrust, and with the 12-volt you get 30-pounds.
The Force Current kayak motor is available now from Garmin.
Image: Kayak Angler Staff
Here is a picture of me holding a 50” speckled trout. Oh yea, it’s not real without a picture.