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Real experience with Garmin Force?
#13263916
08/29/19 06:19 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,981
Chris G
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,981 |
I am seriously considering swapping out my Helix 12's and my Ultrex for all Garmin including Livescope and the Garmin Force trolling motor. I know the graphs work well and have a good friend that has the Livescope on his boat and its amazing. My question is has anyone been using the Force trolling motor that can provide some real world feedback on how well it works and how it compares to the Ultrex, which I have loved.
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Re: Real experience with Garmin Force?
[Re: Chris G]
#13263949
08/29/19 06:37 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102
ring fry
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102 |
I've been using it for almost 6 months. First and foremost it is built like a tank. From pivot points, latches, the mount, everything is overbuilt. It is super quiet and powerful. I previously had a Fortrex so I can't give you an honest comparison to the Ultrex. I've had a couple friends that have Ultrex motors on the boat with me and let them run the Force. They were both impressed. The first thing out of their mouths was that it feels exactly like cable steering. The second thing out of both of their mouths was that it is so much quieter than the Ultrex. One of them said the anchor mode was better than the Ultrex the other thought it was about the same. I do know if there is a breeze it will stay firmly in one place. If it is dead calm it has a little too much activity going on for my liking but they are working on that for future updates. All the other features work flawlessly. It has dual hydraulic assist that makes it super easy to stow and deploy. It is just a really well built motor that uses far less energy than any previous trolling motors I've had.
SE Kansas grass grower
2008, 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions GO JAYHAWKS
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Re: Real experience with Garmin Force?
[Re: Chris G]
#13263959
08/29/19 06:42 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,981
Chris G
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,981 |
Thanks Ring Fry. My next question is on the shaft. Everything I've seen in stock so far has been 57". That seems crazy long. Is that because the head unit sticks up higher? I do see they also offer a 50" shaft but was curious why they had the 57"
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Re: Real experience with Garmin Force?
[Re: Chris G]
#13263964
08/29/19 06:47 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102
ring fry
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102 |
I've got a Triton TR186 and have the 50" shaft. The reason for the 57" is for the deeper hulled boats. My buddy has a 18' Nitro with the 57" shaft. He doesn't have any problem with it but definitely doesn't need it. I was under the impression they shipped out more 50" shafts in this part of the country than the 57" ones.
SE Kansas grass grower
2008, 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions GO JAYHAWKS
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Re: Real experience with Garmin Force?
[Re: Chris G]
#13263974
08/29/19 06:51 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,981
Chris G
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,981 |
from the pictures, it appears to sit a little higher. Is that the case? I've got a 52" on the Ultrex now. Guessing the 57" would be fine
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Re: Real experience with Garmin Force?
[Re: Chris G]
#13264001
08/29/19 07:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102
ring fry
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102 |
I really don't know if it sits any higher. Obviously the shaft depth is adjustable so the deeper it's set the shorter it is above the servo motor. I know I haven't hit the head casting as much as I did with the Fortrex. Although I do have a couple broken cranks and a spinnerbait skid mark.
SE Kansas grass grower
2008, 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions GO JAYHAWKS
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