There really aren’t any jaw-dropping headlines in marine electronics coming in 2024. Garmin does have a new trolling motor as does Minn Kota (finally joined other manufacturers with brushless technology), and Lowrance will introduce a newer version of live sonar. Here’s what you can expect to see at the shows and in shops this season.
Garmin
The new Garmiun Force® Kraken trolling motor will be available this spring. Dubbed the most powerful trolling motor the recreational fishing market has ever seen. Coupled with Garmin’s industry standard precise anchor lock technology, Kraken is designed with longer shaft lengths and a pivot-style mount for easy installation on boats where bow space is limited; like skiffs, bay boats, center consoles and multispecies fishing boats.
Garmin’s newest trolling motor utilizes multi-band GPS signal reception and integrated AHRS (attitude and heading reference system) for heading hold to deliver Garmin’s most precise boat positioning technology yet.
“We are excited to build on the success of our Force trolling motor and bring new mounting options and features to even more anglers in both the saltwater and inland markets. From power and durability to integration and innovation, Kraken has everything anglers want and need from their trolling motor and more,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin VicePpresident of Global Consumer Sales.
And with the Kraken, for the first time in the industry, anglers can install forward-facing sonar, like LiveScope™, on a pivot-style trolling motor by conveniently routing the transducer cable inside the trolling motor shaft thanks to Kraken’s new LiveScope cable management system.
With the Kraken LiveScope Mounting Bracket (additional purchase required), any LiveScope transducer can be installed and operated in all three modes—forward, down and perspective. This will keep the LiveScope cable safe from possible damage during stow or deploy and keeps the trolling motor and deck space cleaner.
Kraken’s brushless motor uses a high-efficiency propeller to produce 100 pounds of thrust on a 36-volt system, or 80 pounds on a 24-volt system. Even with all that power, Kraken is extremely efficient so anglers can count on it to fish all day. It’s also whisper quiet above and below the water and less likely to spook the fish.
In calm conditions, the Krakenwill decelerate the motor when it’s within approximately one meter of the user-selected location. And in rough conditions, Kraken can apply more aggressive motor speed for improved performance on larger boats.
Wireless integration with Garmin chartplotters allows anglers to create routes, patterns and tracks for the trolling motor to follow while they fish, and a new illuminated arrow on the trolling motor head can allow anglers to confirm the boat’s heading at a glance (a simple, but very important feature).
Anglers can also use the included wireless remote to help navigate from anywhere in the boat. The remote can give anglers control of the Kraken trolling motor with precise virtual anchor lock, autopilot functionality, heading hold and point-and-go gesture steering—plus it floats. A compatible Garmin smartwatch, like the award-winning quatix® 7 series, can also be connected to Kraken to control steering, anchor lock and more, right from the wrist.
Select Kraken models include a built-in GT56UHD all-in-one transducer with Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar along with CHIRP traditional sonar for brilliant image clarity of structure and fish below and to the sides of the boat. Additional Garmin transducers can be added and no matter the sonar setup. The brushless motor technology allows for clear returns with extremely low levels of unwanted noise from electrical and mechanical interference.
The Kraken propeller is designed with a thinner leading edge to reduce resistance and maximize thrust, while the trailing edge is engineered to decrease aeration of the water that can cause cavitation and interfere with thrust. Rugged and durable, the sturdy composite shaft and all components have advanced corrosion and saltwater protection. Krakens are backed by a three-year limited warranty and a lifetime limited warranty on the shaft, along with support through an ever-increasing servicing dealer network.
Kraken will be offered in white in 63-, 75- and 90-inch shaft lengths, or black in 63- and 75-inch lengths. Both black Kraken models are sold with a GT56UHD transducer. Suggested retail prices range from $3699.99 to $4299.99.
Humminbird
MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock combined with MEGA Live Imaging – a way to keep live imaging sonar always pointed at the target automatically was introduced mid model year 2023. Area anglers have sung its praises.
Combined with Minn Kota Ultrex™, the need to choose between Spot-Lock® and MEGA Live Imaging is no longer. The new Humminbird MEGA Live Hand Control™ Universal Mount allows anglers to utilize the technology on any vessel.
For 2024 Humminbird will continue to rely on Apex, Helix and Solix G4 fishfinder lines.
Lowrance
The new Lowrance HDS PRO system provides full networking and bow-to-stern boat control spanning trolling motors, autopilots, engines, radar, communications and PowerPole® shallow water anchors. It includes C-MAP® DISCOVER OnBoard charts, featuring high-res bathymetric 1-foot contours for over 19,000 lakes across the U.S. and 9,400 in Canada. A new chart option also allows users to overlay ActiveTarget 2 Scout or Ghost 360 trolling motor views, directly on the chart.
Lowrance’s new ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar is said to provide the highest-resolution live views of fish movement and structure available, enabling anglers to quickly recognize if lures and techniques are working in real-time, allowing them to adjust and get fish to strike. Exclusive to HDS PRO, users can combine two live sonar systems at the same time giving even more views simultaneously with 180 View, Scout Wide and Forward + Scout split screen view. The increased range will allow you to see your baits on a full typical cast distance of 150-plus feet.
Minn Kota
Starting from scratch, The Ultrex QUEST 24V and 36V models are completely redesigned trolling motors, while retaining all the beloved features of the original Ultrex. First off, anglers will notice the larger brushless lower unit, offering 30% greater efficiency than the previous model and an impressive 50% more torque at 24 volts. Torque is the power that allows you to cut through weeds and maneuver your boat swiftly. To support this added power, Minn Kota has reinforced and reimagined the mount, bracket, shaft, and pivot points with enhanced durability and rigidity.
Every Ultrex QUEST trolling motor includes two props: the power prop and the weedless wedge. The power prop is ideal for open water, delivering maximum speed and torque. On the other hand, the weedless wedge prop features flare tips to efficiently shed weeds while maintaining performance across all RPM ranges.
Another goal with the Ultrex QUEST was to make it easier than ever to stow and deploy. The new trolling motor features an improved the lift assist and even offers aftermarket lift assist cylinders for accessories. Once deployed, the motor automatically aligns itself straight ahead, allowing you to start fishing right away. When it’s time to stow the trolling motor out of the water, it turns perpendicular to the mount, eliminating the need to step on the pedal. This feature ensures your forward-facing sonar transducer or other equipment remains undisturbed and facing upward.
The Ultrex QUEST foot pedal maintains its familiar wire-to-water feel, but with an added programmable One-Boat Network key. This key allows you to engage autopilot, mark waypoints on a Humminbird fish finder, or deploy your shallow water anchors, such as Raptors or Talons.
In the importance of maximizing your time on the water to gain a competitive edge, Minn Kota has introduced real-time battery monitoring through your Humminbird fish finder. You can also extend your day by activating eco mode when you reach 20% battery life, conserving power for essential functions.
GPS functionality has always been a standout feature of the Ultrex, and Minn Kota has taken it further with the Ultrex QUEST trolling motor. In addition to the renowned Spot-Lock, the new Drift Mode feature allows anglers to maintain a target speed and heading while slowing down to match wind or current.
All Ultrex QUEST models come with built-in dual spectrum CHIRP or MEGA Side Imaging and include the necessary cabling for connecting to Humminbird fish finders.
QUEST technology is now availability Minn Kota Ultrex, Ulterra, Instinct, Terrova and Riptide Terrova trolling motors.
MotorGuide
The MotorGuide Tour Pro 82 claims to have the most Accurate GPS anchor and it’s definitely the only true cable steer trolling motor with GPS anchor. Pinpoint® GPS anchoring is reputedly three times as precise as competitors’, meaning you can stay on structure and fish, even in currents and wind. Features like Anchor, Jog, Heading Lock and Cruise Control put Tour Pro tech in a class of its own.
Tour-Tested Durability: with a 360° breakaway mount, the Tour Pro is built for tough conditions and surprise rocks and stumps. A rugged two-piece shaft features an oversized stainless steel outer column and an unbreakable inner composite shaft with lifetime warranty.
This unit has a no-flex metal foot pedal: solid steering system with metal upper foot pad and premium grip tape allows for no-flex, no-slip operation. Large push-control GPS Anchor, Heading Lock and Constant On buttons allow you to set your course and focus on fishing.
A Zero-G lift assist system requires nearly half the effort needed versus competitors’ assist mounts. The patented Bulldog latches bite down to lock in place but release on command for effortless stowing and deploying. Tour Pro’s powerful nitrogen gas spring makes light work of long days on the water.
MotoGuide’s HD+ universal sonar compatibility lets you choice whatever fishfinder you want. You can pair the Tour Pro with the sonar of your choosing without routing external cables. See the world beneath your boat with traditional 83/200 kHz 2D sonar views or high-definition 455/800 kHz views available with major sonar brands.
Power Pole
For 2024 Power-Pole will introduce a new movement in boat control with the Power-Pole MOVE Brushless trolling motor, the strongest and most advanced trolling motor ever created.
Power Pole founder, John Oliverio and the Power-Pole team began by looking at the technology and materials available and decided that to bear the name Power-Pole, they needed to begin from scratch. To have the power and stealth desired, Oliverio determed he needed to produce his own brushless motor and steering components. Research and development produced technology that have never been used in marine application.
The technology used in the Next-Gen Brushless Motor and Stealth Steering Drive are key to the power production, and the operational reliability of the motor.
The Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor comes standard with features like advanced Anchor Mode that allows the angler to stealthily maintain position while focusing on fishing. The Vector Heading feature follows a straight course down a bank or offshore drift, while our Follow a Route feature guided by ProNav allows the angler to use the Power-Pole app or compatible device to set a route for the motor to follow. Finally, a Compass Heading feature causes the motor to bear towards specific compass headings identified by the user.
The Power-Pole MOVE is available in two versions, The MOVE ZR is a model with a hinged scissor bracket commonly used on bass boats and the MOVE PV, a pivoting version most commonly used on saltwater and big water boats. Both versions are built to withstand use in saltwater environments, will operate in 24- or 36-volt systems, are integrated with a C-Monster 2.0 wireless connection system and produce Max True Thrust of 100 pounds in a 36-volt system or 78 pounds in a 24-volt setup.
The Power-Pole MOVE carries a three-year warranty on everything but the titanium shaft, which is protected by a lifetime warranty, similar to the Lifetime Everflex Spike Warranty found in Shallow Water Anchors.
The MOVE ZR is available in shaft lengths of 45, 52 and 60-inch versions. It comes standard with our Wireless RealFeelTM Foot Pedal, separate wireless Foot Buttons that control Anchor Mode and GPS functions along with a Wireless Trolling Display to help the angler keep up with the system. MOVE ZR also comes with a Wireless Hybrid Remote complete with Charging Cradle that is compatible with Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchors through the C-Monster 2.0 system. The Power-Pole MOVE PV is also available in of 45, 52 and 60-inch shaft lengths, and a 72-inch model. It comes standard with two Wireless Hybrid Remotes with a wireless Charging Cradle and a quick release bracket mount. MOVE PV is also compatible with the Wireless RealFeelTM Foot Pedal, Wireless Foot Buttons and Wireless Trolling Display.
Rhodan
Rhodan HD GPS Anchor+ trolling motors are manufactured in Florida and are available in 36 (120-lb.), 24 (80-lb.) and 12-volt (55-lb.) models in a wide variety of shaft lengths (even a 96” shaft for saltwater anglers that prefer not to use a wreck anchor).
In Anchor Mode, the Rhodan HD GPS Anchor+® Trolling Motor will keep the boat’s bow parked where you want it, in any depth of water, automatically compensating for wind, waves and cross-current. Anchor sites can be jogged in precise five-foot increments in four directions relative to the boat’s heading using the wireless fob.
In the Track Mode, the Rhodan HD GPS Anchor+® Trolling Motor will automatically pull the boat along a chosen course, continually compensating for wind and current disturbances. The track speed is adjustable (32 thrust settings) and the track heading can be changed in precise five-degree increments, all using the wireless fob.
In the Manual Mode, the system behaves just like a normal trolling motor, allowing the operator to wirelessly steer the system and control the thrust. Rhodan has refined the system further by incorporating Thrust Dependent Electronic Steering Control, complete forward and reverse thrust capabilities, and anti-wrap-up technology which prevents the power cord from winding itself around the shaft.
The Rhodan HD GPS Anchor+® Trolling Motor has 12 memory locations. Four of these are dedicated to memorizing anchor sites. The remaining eight can be used to record intricate paths or routes over 1000 miles long! The twelve memories will remain in the system memory even after power down. Paths can be recorded while running at trolling speed and even at cruising speed with the trolling motor stowed! The system will automatically anchor the boat when it completes a memorized route.
A wireless, floating, waterproof remote control fob lets you control the trolling motor while fishing from anywhere on the boat. The HD GPS Anchor+® Trolling Motor can steer the boat while the main engine is at low power settings. An audible battery meter allows the battery state of charge to be checked from anywhere on the boat using the wireless fob. The stowed position sensor automatically prevents the trolling motor and propeller from operating in the stowed position. A lockable quick-release mount permits the unit to be moved for safe-keeping or use on another boat Durable corrosion-free composite shafts flex upon impact. There are both black and White models are designed for saltwater use and are equipped with sacrificial zinc anodes and the trolling motor lower unit and shafts all include Line-X® finish.
You’ll find Rhondan trolling motors at Green Top Sporting Goods.
