Garmin Force Current Trolling Motor Installation Guide

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Read additional information about warnings and other important details in the included Important Safety and Product Information guide. Failure to follow these installation instructions may result in personal injury, damage to the boat or equipment, or product malfunction.

Do not operate the motor when the propeller is not in the water. A spinning propeller can cause serious injury. Do not operate the motor in areas where the spinning propeller could contact you or other people in the water, as this can cause serious injury. To avoid serious injury or death, always disconnect the motor from the battery before handling the propeller, motor, electrical connections, or electrical device housings.

CAUTION: To ensure optimal performance and avoid damage to the equipment or vessel, or injury, have the equipment installed by a professional installer. To prevent injury, always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling, sawing, or sanding. When transporting the bow-mount motor, always use the handle located behind the control housing and be aware of the propeller and motor to avoid causing injury or property damage.

NOTE: When drilling or sawing, always check what is on the other side of the surface to avoid damaging the hull. Not all kayaks support this product due to its thrust. A kayak may be damaged if the Force Current bow-mount motor is installed or used on a kayak that does not support it. If you are unsure, ask your kayak manufacturer for advice before attempting to install the bow-mount motor on it.

Tools and Supplies Required

• Drill
• Phillips screwdriver (No. 2)
• Knife or scissors
• Lighter or matches
• 40 A circuit breaker (continuous)¹
• Additionally, you will need the following to attach the mount with screws and nuts:
• 8 mm (5/16 in.) drill bit for drilling holes for screws and nuts
• 11 mm (7/16 in.) wrench
• Sheet metal or other suitable reinforcement material for the mounting surface (optional)
• To install the nutserts, you will also need:
• 11 mm (7/16 in.) drill bit
• 1/2 in. wrench

¹ You can purchase a suitable circuit breaker at garmin.com/accessories/force_current_trolling_motor.

Checking Propeller Clearance

WARNING: Before installing the motor mount, ensure there is adequate clearance between the propeller and the hull for a full rotation of the shaft. Consider that the mounting location structure may flex after the motor is installed. If the motor is installed with insufficient space between the propeller and the hull, it may result in injury and property damage due to the propeller contacting the hull during operation.

1. Check the clearance by manually rotating the motor propeller through a full rotation.

NOTE: Check the propeller clearance with both the weedless propeller and the high-thrust propeller before installing the mount.

1. If necessary, relocate the mounting location to ensure adequate clearance between the propeller and the hull.

Mounting the Transom Mount

WARNING: Before installing the mount, ensure there is adequate clearance between the propeller and the hull (Checking Propeller Clearance, page 2).

NOTE: The kayak must have a flat stern where the bow-mount motor mount is installed. If the kayak stern is not flat, create an adapter that matches the kayak's contour and provides a flat surface for the mount. In this case, it is recommended to ensure a secure and stable installation by consulting a kayak manufacturer and seeking assistance from a professional installer.

Choose an option:

• If the kayak stern has threaded mounting holes compatible with the Power-Pole® Micro anchor, you can install the mount directly to the kayak using them (Mounting the Mount to a Kayak with Compatible Mounting, page 3).
• If the kayak does not have threaded mounting holes compatible with the Power-Pole Micro anchor, adapters from other manufacturers may be available for your kayak.
• If you can access the back of the mounting surface, you can install the mount using bolts and nuts (Mounting the Mount to a Kayak Without Compatible Mounting, page 4).

Mounting the Mount to a Kayak with Compatible Mounting

1. Measure the distance from the stern edge of the kayak to the nearest mounting hole.
2. Choose an option:
• If the distance from the stern edge to the nearest mounting hole is less than 29 mm (1 1/8 in.) ①, install the mount directly over the kayak's mounting holes.
• If the distance from the stern edge to the nearest mounting hole is 29–100 mm (1 1/8 – 3 15/16 in.) ②, add a 20 mm (3/4 in.) spacer between the mount and the kayak to provide adequate clearance.
• If the distance from the stern edge to the nearest mounting hole is greater than 100 mm (3 15/16 in.), the mount cannot be secured to the kayak's existing mounting holes.

An adapter plate may be available for your kayak with mounting holes closer to the stern edge. If an adapter plate is not available, you can drill new mounting holes in the kayak (Mounting the Mount to a Kayak Without Compatible Mounting, page 4).

1. Secure the mount to the kayak using the mounting screws and washers included in the kit A.

Mounting the Mount to a Kayak Without Compatible Mounting

Installing the mount with the screws and nuts included in the package requires access to the space below the mounting surface.

1. Place the mount on the kayak stern and find a suitable mounting location.

NOTE: The rear of the mount must extend over the stern for the mount to sit evenly on the stern.

2. Mark the locations for the four starter holes in the kayak.
3. Drill four mounting holes using an 8 mm (5/16 in.) drill bit.
4. Take screws, nuts, and washers from bag B and four standard washers from bag A.
5. Secure the mount to the kayak by placing the screws and standard washers on the top surface of the mount and the four washers and nuts on the bottom surface of the mounting surface.

NOTE: Washers must be used on both sides of the mounting surface, as they distribute the forces applied to the mounting surface material and ensure a secure installation. The motor and kayak may be damaged if the mount is installed without all washers. Some kayaks may require a reinforcing backing plate on one or both sides of the mounting surface before installing the mount. Contact your kayak manufacturer for specific instructions for your kayak model if necessary.

Mounting the Motor to the Mount

CAUTION: When transporting the bow-mount motor, always use the handle located behind the control housing and be aware of the propeller and motor to avoid causing injury or property damage.

1. Loosen the pivot knobs on both sides of the bow-mount motor, if necessary.
2. Lower the motor into the mount at a 45-degree angle, aligning the motor's pivot knobs with the mount's pivot knob receivers.
3. Allow the motor to pivot into a vertical position.
4. Tighten the knobs on both sides of the motor as far as they will go.

Installing the Locking Pin

The Force Current bow-mount motor supports three locking pin positions, which allow you to adjust the motor's angle to match the angle between the stern and the water.

1. Insert the locking pin ① into the holes on both sides of the motor.
2. Secure the locking pin by installing the cotter pin ② onto the end of the locking pin.

When you deploy the motor, the motor latch will engage the locking pin and secure the motor in the deployed position. Observe the relationship between the shaft angle and the kayak angle, and if necessary, move the locking pin to a different position so that the motor shaft is horizontal in the water.

Installing the Tie-off Kit

1. Thread the end of the rope through the metal release lever on the mount ①.
2. Tie a stopper knot in the end of the rope below the mount so the rope does not come out of the release lever.
3. Thread the rope through the loop on the front of the motor ②.
4. Thread the rope down through the pivot pulley on the mount ③.
5. Select a mounting location for the rope cleat ④ slightly forward and to the side of the seat.
6. Select a location for the cable glands ⑤ that route the rope from the mount to the rope cleat.
7. Install the cable glands and rope cleat (Installing Cable Glands and Rope Cleat, page 7).
8. Thread the rope through the cable glands and rope cleat.
9. Install the rope handle (Installing the Rope Handle, page 9).

Installing Cable Glands and Rope Cleat

If your kayak has a track system or threaded holes, it is recommended to install cable glands and a rope cleat. The cable and rope cleat kit includes T-nuts for installation in a standard T-track. If you do not have a T-track or threaded holes, install the cable glands and rope cleat using the included nutserts and screws according to these instructions.

1. Drill mounting holes using an 11 mm (7/16 in.) drill bit.
2. Install a nutsert into each mounting hole (Installing Nutserts, page 8).
3. Secure the rope cleat or cable gland to the kayak using the mounting screws included in the kit.

NOTE: The rope cleat is secured to the kayak with two screws. Install the rope cleat correctly, with the pulley facing the bow of the kayak, so you can deploy the motor by pulling the rope toward the stern.

Installing Nutserts

The Force Current bow-mount motor kit includes tools that allow you to install the 1/4-20 nutserts using standard tools. If you prefer, you can purchase a specialized tool for installing nutserts. If you use a specialized tool, follow the tool manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: The nutserts in the package are intended for installation on surfaces 0.020–0.190 in. thick. If your mounting surface is thicker, ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the kayak by purchasing appropriate nutserts.

1. Take a nutsert, screw, and washer from bag G.
2. Install the screw into the nutsert, washer, and nutsert.
3. Insert the nutsert and screw into the mounting surface hole so that the head of the nutsert is against the surface.
4. Place a 1/2 in. wrench on the mounting nut.
5. Press down on the head of the screw to hold it in place, and turn the mounting nut clockwise with the wrench.

Tightening the mounting nut pulls the screw upward, pressing the nutsert into the mounting surface.

1. Turn the mounting nut until it stops. The nutsert is now fully seated and secured to the mounting surface.
2. Hold the screw in place with a Phillips screwdriver No. 2 and loosen the mounting nut by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the screw and mounting nut from the nutsert using a Phillips screwdriver No. 2.

Installing the Rope Handle

1. Thread the end of the rope through the parts of the rope handle.
2. Cut the rope to a suitable length so that it remains sufficiently loose for you to reach it comfortably while seated in the kayak.

TIP: It is recommended to cut the rope approximately 20 cm (8 in.) from the rope cleat so that the rope handle stays near the rope cleat when the motor is in the deployed position.

3. Tie the rope to the inside of the rope handle with a stopper knot.
4. Cut the rope and melt the end, if necessary, to prevent fraying.
5. Snap the rope handle parts together.

Installing the Skeg

NOTE: The skeg must be installed, as it protects the propeller from damage if the motor hits an underwater object.

1. Place the skeg on the bottom of the motor housing's fin. Start with the leading edge.
2. Secure the skeg by installing the screw and washer using the 3 mm hex wrench (included).

Installing the Propeller

The Force Current bow-mount motor includes a weedless propeller and a high-thrust propeller. The weedless propeller is designed to prevent aquatic vegetation from wrapping around the propeller and shaft.

NOTE: Use the high-thrust propeller with the Force Current bow-mount motor only in open water. Using the high-thrust propeller in shallow water increases the risk of propeller damage if the motor hits an underwater obstacle.

1. Insert the pin ① through the shaft of the motor housing.
2. If necessary, rotate the motor shaft so that the pin is horizontal and does not easily fall out during installation.
3. Align the channel inside the propeller with the pin and insert the propeller onto the motor shaft.
4. Secure the anode ②, washer ③, locking washer ④, and nut ⑤ to the end of the motor shaft.
5. Secure the propeller by tightening the locking nut with a 14 mm (9/16 in.) socket wrench to a torque of 16.27 Nm (12 lbf-ft).

Installing the Remote Control Bracket

1. Mark the location of the starter holes using the bracket.
2. Remove the bracket from the mounting surface and drill the starter holes.

NOTE: Do not drill through the bracket to drill the starter holes, as this may damage the bracket.

3. Secure the bracket to the mounting surface using the included screws.

Connecting the Power

WARNING: For your safety, ensure the circuit breaker is in the OFF position before connecting the bow-mount motor power cord to it. Connecting the power cord without a circuit breaker or fuse may cause a short circuit in the wiring, leading to overheating and fire.

NOTE: The Force Current bow-mount motor must be connected to a 12 or 24 VDC battery. Connecting the motor to a different voltage may reduce performance or damage the product.

1. Connect the bow-mount motor power cord to the battery. Route the red wire (+) through the 40 A (continuous) circuit breaker.
2. Expose the power connector by turning the motor housing cover a quarter turn counterclockwise.
3. Align the power cord with the kayak and push the connector in completely.

NOTE: Ensure the power cord's locking collar is in the open position before connecting it to the motor.

• The power cord strain relief seats in the holder in the motor housing.

1. Lock the power cord's locking collar in place by turning it a quarter turn clockwise.

Power Steer Pedals

Power Steer pedals are an optional accessory included in some models.

Mounting Options

NOTE: The installation methods described in this manual apply to many kayak models, but your specific kayak may require a different installation method. If you have questions about how to apply these instructions to your kayak, consult your kayak manufacturer for advice on how to install the Power Steer pedals on your kayak model.

• If your kayak has side tracks, you can install the rails using screws and T-nuts (Installing Rails in Tracks, page 14).
• If your kayak deck has pedal tracks or suitable threaded holes, you may be able to install the rails using the existing mounting holes (Installing Rails in Existing Mounting Holes, page 15).
• If your kayak does not have tracks or other suitable mounting points, you can install the rails using nutserts (Installing Rails with Nutserts, page 15).

Selecting Pedal Height

The pedal tracks are assembled so that the pedals are high. This is due to the eccentric mounting of the pedal attachments. If you want the pedals lower, you can rotate the pedal tracks.

NOTE: When installing pedal tracks onto the deck, always install the pedal attachment's button facing the stern of the kayak so you can easily reach it and adjust the pedal spacing while seated.

NOTE: When rotating pedal tracks installed on the deck, remove the pre-installed square adapters from the tracks and reinstall them in the reverse position (Removing the Square Adapter, page 12).

Removing the Square Adapter

The factory-installed square adapter allows for the installation of tracks onto the kayak deck. Remove the square adapter from the tracks to install the tracks on the sides of the deck.

Remove the two screws that attach the square adapter to the tracks.

Installing Stabilizers

Optional stabilizers support the pedal tracks against the deck, which reduces the force applied to the pedal track mounting surface.

If you plan to use stabilizers, attach them to the tracks before installing the tracks on the kayak.

1. Attach the fixed part of the stabilizer ① to one of the adjustable legs ② from the mounting kit using two knobs and a nut from bag F.

The stabilizer package includes a long and a short adjustable leg. Choose the one that allows the stabilizer assembly to reach the deck to support the tracks.

1. Insert the assembled stabilizer into the end of the track opposite the pedal attachment button.

NOTE: The square adapter may need to be temporarily removed to install the stabilizer (Removing the Square Adapter, page 12).

1. Press and hold the stabilizer button while sliding the stabilizer to the desired position.
2. Loosen the stabilizer knobs.
3. Extend the adjustable leg so that it contacts the deck, and retighten the knobs.
4. Install the stabilizer on the other track by repeating steps 1–5.

Installing Rails in Tracks

NOTE: The included screws and T-nuts may not be compatible with all kayak track systems. Use fasteners compatible with your kayak's track system. Installing rails with incompatible fasteners may damage the kayak or the pedal tracks.

1. Install a stabilizer on the rails if necessary on the side of the kayak (Installing Stabilizers, page 13).
2. Take screws from bag E and T-nuts and washers from bag D.
3. Insert two T-nuts into the end of the track until they align with the mounting holes of the rail's square adapters.
4. Install the rails in the track using the screws and washers.
5. Ensure there is no gap between the rails and the edge of the deck, and tighten the screws.

NOTE: Ensure the kayak and the square adapter are securely fastened to each other. If there is a gap between the rails and the edge of the deck, the installation will be unstable and the kayak may be damaged.

1. Repeat this on the other side of the kayak.

Installing Rails in Existing Mounting Holes

Before installing the rails on the deck edges, remove the square adapter from the rails (Removing the Square Adapter, page 12).

The Power Steer pedal kit includes 1/4-20 screws in bag E and washers in bag D. They are intended for attaching the rails to the sides of the deck. The included fasteners may not fit your kayak's mounting holes. If you are replacing rails already installed on your kayak, consider installing the new rails with the original fasteners.

NOTE: Use screws and nuts that are compatible with both the pedal tracks and the kayak's mounting holes. Installing the rails with incompatible fasteners may damage the rails and the kayak.

1. If necessary, remove the old rails from the kayak and save the old fasteners.
2. Install the rails on the sides of the deck using the screws and washers.

NOTE: Washers must be used when installing the rails. Installing the rails without washers may damage the rails or the kayak.

Installing Rails with Nutserts

Before installing the rails on the deck edges, remove the square adapter from the rails (Removing the Square Adapter, page 12).

If your kayak does not have a track system or suitable mounting points for pedal tracks, you can install the necessary mounting points using the included nutserts.

1. Using the pedal track, mark the locations for the starter holes on the side of the kayak.
2. Drill mounting holes using an 11 mm (7/16 in.) drill bit.

NOTE: Do not drill through the rail to drill the mounting holes. Drilling mounting holes through the rail may damage the rail.

1. Install a nutsert from bag E into each mounting hole (Installing Nutserts, page 8).
2. Secure the rails to the kayak using the screws from bag E and washers from bag D.
3. Repeat this on the other side of the kayak.

Attaching Pedals to Rails

1. Align the outer screw of the pedal with the threaded receptacle of the rail's pedal attachment and secure the pedal by turning the knob on the other side of the pedal clockwise.

2 Check the pedal's range of motion by tilting the pedal back and forth. Adjust the pedal angle as needed.

3 If necessary, press the pedal attachment button and slide the pedal to the desired position along the rail.

NOTE: Do not move the pedal attachments to the extreme ends of the pedal track. If the pedal attachment comes over the pedal track's mounting screw, it may be difficult to move the attachment.

1. Repeat steps for the other pedal.

TIP: To ensure the pedals and their attachments are mounted symmetrically, check that the pedals are installed at the same angle.

NOTE: The pedals must be removed from their attachments before transporting the kayak. The pedals may detach during transport and cause property damage.

Technical Specifications

Bow-mount Motor

² Withstands incidental submersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

³ Withstands continuous submersion in water up to 3 meters.

Dimensions

1 431 mm (17 in.)

2 29 mm (1 1/8 in.)

3 Minimum 290 mm (11 3/8 in.) Maximum 422 mm (16 5/8 in.)

4 Minimum 470 mm (18 1/2 in.) Maximum 602 mm (23 3/4 in.)

5 527 mm (20 3/4 in.)

6 185 mm (7 5/16 in.)

Dimensions

7 1005 mm (39 5/8 in.)

8 385 mm (15 3/16 in.)

9 112 mm (4 3/8 in.)

Power Steer Pedals

Power Steer pedals are included in some models only.

⁴ Withstands incidental submersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Dimensions

1 394 mm (15 1/2 in.)

2 Minimum 87 mm (3 7/16 in.) (short stabilizer arm) Maximum 196 mm (7 11/16 in.) (long stabilizer arm)

3 32 mm (1 1/4 in.)

4 141 mm (5 9/16 in.)

5 21 mm (13/16 in.)

Remote Control

© 2025 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin, the Garmin logo, ActiveCaptain®, and Force are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. These trademarks may not be used without express permission from Garmin. Trolling Motor M/N: A04625 Remote Control M/N: AA03474 Foot Pedal Controller M/N: A04627 ⁵ Withstands incidental submersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.