Choosing a traction engine for small-scale swimmers is no longer a matter of fuel economy or ecology. Today's fishermen and waterwalkers are looking for a balance between quietness, traction and intelligent control. electric motor Garmin KrakenIt is positioned as a device that can change the idea of trolling on compact boats.
Model Kraken 50 This was the answer of engineers to the market request for a super-powered engine for light inflatable and aluminum boats, where the installation of a heavy gasoline unit is not feasible. digital ecosystemIt integrates navigation, speed control and even anchorage into a single interface.
Unlike the usual "mincon" or "husky", the novelty offers a level of automationIt's a system that was previously only available in expensive boat systems, and here we see a combination of high thrust and advanced algorithms that take over course and position, freeing the angler's hands for other tasks.
Technical specifications and design features
The heart of the system is the electric motor with continuous-powerThe design is designed to minimize the dimensions while maintaining maximum efficiency of the screw group, and the weight of the engine itself is optimized for PVC light boats, where every kilogram of gear counts.
Speed control is not implemented through a mechanical potentiometer, but through a controllerIt's also redesigned, it uses off-shore water, but it has clogging protection, which is critical when you're driving in overgrown water.
- 🚀 Traction: Equivalent to a gasoline engine with a capacity of up to 2.5 hp, which allows you to plane on light boats with one passenger.
- 🔋 Energy consumption: It works on standard 12-volt batteries, but with optimized efficiency, extending the operating time.
- 💧 Defense: Full tightness according to IP67 standard and anti-corrosion coating of all metal elements.
And it's important to note that the unique design of the lower unit is made of high-strength composite materials, which reduces overall weight and increases resistance to impacts on underwater obstacles. Unlike its competitors, Garmin Kraken uses Quick Release technology to quickly replace the propeller without removing the motor from the boat.
⚠️ Note: Despite the high Protection rating, it is not recommended to immerse the motor in salt water for more than 2 hours without subsequent washing with fresh water, since the galvanic pair of aluminum and steel can lead to accelerated corrosion of fasteners.
Intelligent control and navigation system
The main feature of the novelty is a deep integration with navigation devices GarminThe motor doesn't just turn the screw, it becomes part of it. mapplotterBy connecting to NMEA 2000, the device receives data about wind, current and depth, adjusting the engine in real time.
Function AutoPilot This allows you to keep your course to the right degree, and it's especially useful when you're fishing in windy weather, when the sailing speed of the PVC boat is high, and you don't have to be constantly paddled or adjusted to stay on the jet.
The control is carried out through a rotary handle or, more conveniently, through mobile The interface allows you to see the battery charge, the current speed and select modes of operation. For those who are accustomed to the classics, mechanical buttons on the handle, but their functionality is expanded.
- 📱 Annex: Visualization of the sonar directly on the phone screen with the ability to control the motor.
- 🧭 Navigation: The ability to lay the route and follow the points (Track Point) automatically.
- ⚓ Anchorage: Holding position above the point (Spot Lock) without using a physical anchor.
The system can also compensate for wind-breakThe algorithms analyze the deviation and automatically add thrust or change the angle of rotation of the propeller to keep the boat in the desired zone, which turns a conventional inflatable boat into a high-tech fishing platform.
Installation and installation on PVC boats
Installation process Kraken 50 Inflatable vessels have their own specifications due to the design of the transom. Standard fasteners are suitable for most rigid transons, but for PVC, the use of PVC is often required. transition-plate Or a special bracket to distribute the load.
For reliable installation, you need to make sure that the tray board will withstand not only the weight of the engine, but also the dynamic loads during planing. squirt-board If your boat is not equipped with one, this is the first thing to buy.
☑️ Preparation for engine installation
The electrical part requires special attention. The cables must be laid so as to prevent rubbing against the side or accidental damage by sharp objects. corrugated Connection to the battery must be made through a fuse of the appropriate denomination, usually 50-60 Amps.
After the physical installation, the compass must be calibrated, and without this step, the autopilot and course retention functions will not work properly, and the procedure takes a couple of minutes and is performed in calm water away from metal objects and working electronics.
⚠️ Warning: When mounting on inflatable boats, make sure that the lower unit in the lowered position does not touch the bottom or cylinders when rolling. The minimum distance to obstacles should be at least 20 cm to avoid punctures.
Comparison with competitors and market analogues
The electric motor market is dominated by several major players such as Minn Kota and Haswing. Garmin Kraken It is included in this game as a “digital disruptor”, offering functionality for which competitors ask for a double overpayment or require the purchase of additional modules.
Compared to the popular Minn Kota Terrova, Garmin is better at ergonomics of application control and deployment speeds, but the minicons have a wider network of service centers and more time-tested reliability of mechanics.
| Characterization | Garmin Kraken 50 | Minn Kota Terrova 55 | Haswing Cayman B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum traction | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) | 55 lbs (25 kg) | 55 lbs (25 kg) |
| Management | tiller + Smartphone | tiller + Pedal/Remote | tiller + remote |
| Autopilot. | Basic | Advanced i-Pilot | Basic |
| Integration of sonar | Full (Garmin) | Through Humminbird (option) | No. |
It is worth noting that Garmin ecosystem If you already have a Garmin sonar or a navigator, choosing the same brand of motor eliminates compatibility problems and unnecessary wires. For owners of other brands, the benefits may be less obvious.
Hidden savings when buying Garmin
Buying a motor as part of a sonar package often offers up to 15% off, and also allows you to use a single memory card for navigation and sonar, saving money on licenses.
Operation, maintenance and battery life
The real time of the electric motor depends on the capacity and type of batteryFor Kraken 50 The best choice would be traction AGM or lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Lead-acid starter batteries cannot be used, they quickly degrade from deep discharges.
When using a 100-Ah lithium battery, the motor in trolling mode (about 30% of the power) is capable of running 6-8 hours. In maximum traction mode, the time is reduced to 1.5-2 hours. temperature-regulation batteries, especially in winter.
- 🔋 Battery type: LiFePO4 is preferred because of its lower weight and stable stress throughout the discharge cycle.
- ❄️ Winter fishing: Lithium does not work well in the cold, so the battery compartment should be insulated or in a warm room before getting on the water.
- 🔌 Charging: Use only dedicated chargers with desulfation mode (for AGM) or cell balancing (for LiFePO4).
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, you should rinse lower unit with fresh water. bearing The screw should be inspected for winding fishing line, which may damage the oil duct.
To increase the battery life, do not drain it completely. Try to charge with a balance of 20%, this will significantly prolong the life of the battery, especially if it is lithium.
Frequent questions and troubleshooting
During operation, users may encounter a number of typical situations, such as a motor may not reach full power when the battery is discharged. deep-discharge It automatically reduces the speed so as not to damage the battery, and it is also possible to overheat the controller during prolonged operation at maximum speeds in shallow water, where it is difficult to draw coolant.
If you notice a vibration, check the screw's cleanliness and no damage to the blades. Even a slight deformation can cause a strong vibration to be transmitted to the transom. sensor-calibration through the settings menu in the app.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble the sealed electronics unit yourself, this will result in a loss of warranty, and any malfunctions associated with the "brains" of the motor must be diagnosed by an authorized service center.
The Garmin Kraken 50 is the perfect choice for PVC boat owners who already use Garmin and want to get the most automation without switching to larger boats.
Can Garmin Kraken be used in salt water?
Yes, the motor is corrosion-resistant, but requires freshwater washing after each use, and long-term storage in salt water is prohibited.
Which battery is better for this motor?
The optimal choice is a traction lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with a capacity of 100 AH. It is lighter than lead and holds the voltage longer, which is important for stable electronics.
Does the motor work without connecting to a smartphone?
Yes, all basic speed and direction control functions are available through a rotary handle, and the smartphone is only for autopilot tuning, navigation and deep diagnostics.
Will the PVC boat's transom survive such a motor?
The motor is designed for standard transoms. However, for boats less than 3 meters long or with a soft transom, it is recommended to use an additional transom amplifier or suspension bracket.