Beyond Trolling: Mastering GPS Integration with the Force® Kraken System

Beyond Trolling: Mastering GPS Integration with the Force® Kraken System

🚤 Introduction: The Future of Smart Boat Control

The Garmin Force® Kraken isn’t just a trolling motor — it’s a revolution in precision control and seamless integration.
For Australian anglers, the ability to link your trolling motor, chartplotter, and GPS system creates a new level of accuracy and simplicity on the water.

At Inverell Boating Centre, we’ve helped hundreds of boaters install and optimize the Force Kraken with ECHOMAP™ Ultra and GPSMAP® series chartplotters.
In this guide, we’ll show you how the system works, why GPS integration changes everything, and how to keep it performing flawlessly.

⚓ 1. Anchor Lock Precision — Stay Exactly Where You Need to Be

🎯 What It Is

Anchor Lock (also called GPS Anchor Mode) lets your Force Kraken hold your position automatically — even in wind or current. The motor constantly adjusts speed and heading using real-time GPS data to keep your boat locked over a waypoint.

🎣 Why It Matters

For jigging, casting structure, or vertical fishing over wrecks, accuracy matters.
Without Anchor Lock, you’re drifting — and losing time.

⚙️ How to Use It

  1. Press Anchor Lock on your Kraken remote or touchscreen chartplotter.

  2. The motor automatically engages and compensates for drift.

  3. You can fine-tune your position using the micro-adjust joystick or Garmin’s touchscreen controls.

Pro Insight: Anchor Lock pairs perfectly with LiveScope™ — stay fixed while watching fish move beneath you in real time.

🧭 2. Chartplotter Control — Command Your Motor From the Screen

With the latest firmware, Garmin allows full control of the Force Kraken directly from your chartplotter. This is where the Garmin ecosystem truly shines.

🧰 How to Set It Up

  • Connect your Force Kraken to your Garmin Marine Network via Ethernet.

  • Pair your remote or foot pedal wirelessly.

  • Your motor now appears as a controllable device in the chartplotter menu.

🗺️ How to Use It

  • Set Routes: Tap on your chart to set a start and end point. The Kraken automatically follows that path.

  • Adjust Heading: Use the on-screen control wheel to rotate the motor.

  • Follow Depth Contours: Combine with chart depth shading for contour trolling — the Kraken keeps you along the perfect line.

Example Setup: A GPSMAP® 8412xsv controlling a Force Kraken while displaying dual sonar from a GLS™ 10 and GT56UHD transducer — full integration, zero guesswork.

🔋 3. Power Management — Keep the Kraken Performing at Full Strength

The Force Kraken is powerful — and with great power comes… high current draw.
To keep your system running at peak performance, proper battery setup and wiring are essential.

⚡ Best Practices

  • Use a dedicated 24- or 36-volt lithium or AGM battery bank.

  • Avoid voltage drop: keep cable runs short and use 6- or 8-gauge marine tinned wire.

  • Install circuit protection: a 60-amp breaker rated for trolling motors.

  • Charge smart: pair with a compatible 3-bank charger that balances voltage automatically.

💡 Pro Tip from Inverell Boating Centre

We supply pre-wired harness kits for Force Kraken installations — eliminating the common performance issues caused by undersized wiring or poor grounding.

🧩 Integration = Advantage

When your Force Kraken, LiveScope, and chartplotter all communicate, you get:

  • Real-time navigation and motor control on one screen

  • Perfect positioning for sonar scanning

  • Route tracking and GPS anchoring working together

That’s not just convenience — it’s the Garmin advantage.

If you’re ready to experience seamless integration, our Inverell Boating Centre Kraken Bundles come pre-tested and network-ready for Australian boats.

Back to blog