The Garmin Force (20–45 V, 50" and 57" shafts) is a trolling motor with a peak draw of 60 A, a continuous draw of 60 A, a stated minimum of 100 Ah for lead-acid or AGM and a recommended capacity of 50–100 Ah.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
What we found
- Battery models are matched as running it across several brands, by setting each maker's published figures against the other — neither names the pairing, 15 of them needing more than one pack in series.
- Marine-grade deep-cycle; lithium generally preferred.
- 3 batteries are compared as NOT suitable for it: Dakota Lithium 12V 54Ah, Dakota Lithium 12V 46Ah Deep Cycle U1, Renogy 12V 20Ah Deep Cycle, by setting each maker's published figures against the other — neither names the pairing.
- Published as 60 A continuous, on 20–45 V · 100 lbf at full throttle on a 36 V bank.
- Specifications are published for it, each with its source.
At a glance
The maker’s own installation requirements: 42 VDC or greater, suitable for 60 A continuous (not to exceed 90 A). A battery that meets the draw does not make the wiring optional.
What this device draws
- Max amp draw
- 60 A continuous, on 20–45 V
- Continuous draw the maker states
- 60 A continuous
- Input voltage it accepts
- 20 to 45 V dc
- Power drawn at full throttle
- Full power: 2160 W
- How precise the maker says these figures are
- ±7 N and ±5 A, and no standard named
- What it draws at half throttle
- Half throttle on 24 V draws 14 A, against 57 A flat out
- Max thrust
- 100 lbf at full throttle on a 36 V bank
“Input voltage From 20 to 45 Vdc Input amperage 60 A continuous”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/Force_Trolling_Motor_OM_EN-US.pdf
“Input amperage 60 A continuous”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-7EE20A35-4E0F-4E6A-89E5-270C5C907E3F.html
“Input voltage From 20 to 45 Vdc”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-7EE20A35-4E0F-4E6A-89E5-270C5C907E3F.html
“Main power usage at 36 Vdc 60 A Off: 72 mW Full power: 2160 W”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-7EE20A35-4E0F-4E6A-89E5-270C5C907E3F.html
“These values assume you are using an official Garmin ® high efficiency propeller, in relatively calm water, with the motor deployed deeply enough not to ventilate, and with tolerances of ±7 N (Newton) (5 lbf (pound-force)) and ±5 A.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-9BEB843E-2C2B-450E-B9B2-F4C9F29D0C2E.html
“50% 140 N (31 lbf) 14 A”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-9BEB843E-2C2B-450E-B9B2-F4C9F29D0C2E.html
“100% 445 N (100 lbf) 54 A”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-9BEB843E-2C2B-450E-B9B2-F4C9F29D0C2E.html
What battery it needs
- Torque for the battery terminal nuts
- 3 ft-lbs (4 N·m), 10 mm socket
- Current the battery must be able to supply
- At least 60 A continuous, whatever the chemistry
- Amp-hours the maker names for lead acid
- 100 Ah for lead-acid or AGM
- Battery type the maker recommends
- Marine-grade deep-cycle; lithium generally preferred
- Amp-hours the maker recommends
- 50–100 Ah for lithium
- Whether it can run on lithium
- Supported, and preferred by the maker
- Circuit breaker it requires
- 42 V+, 60 A continuous — up to 90 A with conditions
“If you have a torque wrench (recommended), you should tighten the nuts to 3 ft-lbs (36 in-lbs) (4 N-m).”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
“Regardless of battery type, the battery must be capable of supplying at least 60 A of continuous current.”
Source: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=ZY96utROfo8AdOceNXevU8
“Lead-acid or AGM batteries: 100 Ah minimum”
Source: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=ZY96utROfo8AdOceNXevU8
“For best results, use a marine-grade deep-cycle battery designed for trolling motor applications. Lithium batteries are generally preferred because of their weight, performance, and charging characteristics, but the ideal battery depends on the specific vessel and installation. Consult the boat manufacturer or dealer for recommendations suited to your setup.”
Source: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=ZY96utROfo8AdOceNXevU8
“Lithium batteries: 50 Ah to 100 Ah”
Source: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=ZY96utROfo8AdOceNXevU8
“For best results, use a marine-grade deep-cycle battery designed for trolling motor applications. Lithium batteries are generally preferred because of their weight, performance, and charging characteristics, but the ideal battery depends on the specific vessel and installation.”
Source: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=ZY96utROfo8AdOceNXevU8
“42 VDC or greater, suitable for 60 A continuous NOTE: You can protect the system by using a larger circuit breaker, not to exceed 90 A, if you are operating under high temperatures or if you are sharing the circuit with other devices. You should verify that your boat wiring meets marine wiring standards using a larger breaker before changing it.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/Force_Trolling_Motor_OM_EN-US.pdf
Size and fit
- Stated weight
- 50 in. model: 30 kg (66 lb.)
- Cable Garmin supply
- 50 in. model: 1.2 m (4 ft.) 57 in. model: 1.1 m (3.5 ft.)
“Weight (motor, mount, and cables) 50 in. model: 30 kg (66 lb.) 57 in. model: 31.75 kg (70 lb.)”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-7EE20A35-4E0F-4E6A-89E5-270C5C907E3F.html
“Power cable length 50 in. model: 1.2 m (4 ft.) 57 in. model: 1.1 m (3.5 ft.)”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-7EE20A35-4E0F-4E6A-89E5-270C5C907E3F.html
Identity
- Whether it is still made
- Discontinued; superseded by the Force Pro
“Discontinued”
Source: garmin.com/en-US/p/610376/pn/010-02024-00
Recalls and fire safety
- Recall notice the manufacturer published
- Service Alert 2076 — three issues, all mandatory
- What to do until it is remedied
- Disconnect from the battery before servicing
- What the breaker is there to limit
- The breaker is what bounds the fire risk
- Water ingress notice
- Seal replacement, free — Service Alert 20121
- What the manufacturer says went wrong
- the nuts on the power terminals of the trolling motor may not be fully tightened. In certain situations, this can cause heat to build up on the power cable, which could lead to a brief electrical fire on the wire insulation
- Units the manufacturer's notice covers
- The Force 50" and 57"; no later motor is named
- Remedy the manufacturer offers
- Free, by the owner or a dealer; 1 hour reimbursed
“Garmin has received a small number of reports indicating the Force Trolling Motor may move the boat unexpectedly and quickly when the anchor lock feature is engaged This can be caused by 1) the coil cable being tightly compressed between the steering housing and the shaft cap, or 2) the motor shaft being out of alignment.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
“You must disconnect the motor from the battery before servicing the trolling motor to avoid causing an electrical short. When stowing or deploying the motor and when working on the power-cable terminals, be aware of the risk of entrapment or pinching from moving parts, which can result in injury.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
“Garmin has determined the nuts on the power terminals of the trolling motor may not be fully tightened. In certain situations, this can cause heat to build up on the power cable, which could lead to a brief electrical fire on the wire insulation. As mandated in the Force Trolling Motor Installation Instructions, you must install a proper circuit breaker, which can limit heat buildup after the breaker trips. It should also be noted that the wire insulation is flame retardant and self-extinguishing. These factors help limit the scope and duration of any potential brief electrical fire.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
“In certain rare situations, especially during or after use in salt water, water may enter the cable-junction box and could lead to a brief electrical fire. Note that the cable-junction box materials are flame retardant and self-extinguishing. These factors help limit the scope and duration of any potential brief electrical fire.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Service_Alert_Force_Trolling_Motor_US.pdf
“Garmin has determined the nuts on the power terminals of the trolling motor may not be fully tightened. In certain situations, this can cause heat to build up on the power cable, which could lead to a brief electrical fire on the wire insulation.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
“PRODUCTS AFFECTED Force Trolling Motor, 50” and 57” models.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
“Customers: You can resolve these issues by following the directions below, or an authorized Garmin dealer or service center can resolve these issues under warranty. Dealers: Garmin will reimburse up to 1 hour of labor to resolve these issues.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
Other findings
- Battery gauge is wrong on lithium
- The motor's own gauge misreads a lithium pack
- Circuit breaker part number
- Garmin part 010-12832-40
- Power cable gauge
- 6, 4 or 2 AWG, sized from the run
- Propeller nut torque
- 8.13 N·m (6 lb-ft), 9/16 in socket
“Battery level indicators are optimized for lead-acid batteries and may be inaccurate for other types of batteries such as lithium-ion.”
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/Force_Trolling_Motor_OM_EN-US.pdf
“60 A circuit breaker accessory 010-12832-40 Instructions are provided with the circuit breaker. Not shown Power cable plug accessory 010-12832-41”
Source: static.garmin.com/pumac/force_trolling_motor_field_service_manual_en.pdf
“Circuit breaker rated for continuous 60 A • Trolling motor plug and receptacle rated for 60 A or greater (optional) • 6, 4, or 2 AWG (16, 25, or 35 mm 2 ) wire for extended runs of the power cable”
Source: static.garmin.com/pumac/Force_Trolling_Motor_Install_Instructions_EN-US.pdf
“Using a 9 / 16 in (15 mm) socket, tighten the nut to 8.13 N-m (6 lbf-ft).”
Source: static.garmin.com/pumac/force_trolling_motor_field_service_manual_en.pdf
Batteries documented to run this
Every row below is for this trolling motor wired at 36 V. It is also documented at 24 V, and a battery maker’s fitment rule is written per voltage. It turns on the thrust at the voltage the motor is actually wired for, and we hold one thrust figure for this trolling motor — the one at 36 V. So the other configurations are not answered here rather than answered no.
The figures below line up. Neither manufacturer states that this pack runs this device — that is our reading of what each of them published separately, not a claim by either of them or a test by us. Even where every stated figure agrees, these can still decide it:
- The device’s published draw is usually a peak, not the load it holds — the two numbers are not the same kind of quantity
- A maker’s amp-hour minimum and their reserve-capacity minimum can give different answers about the same battery
- Conditions attached to the chemistry, such as a speed limit for running on lithium
- Whether the pack may be wired in series at all, where the device needs 24 or 36 volts
- The charger, which both makers put conditions on and neither supplies
- Case size, hold-down and terminal type — fitting the space is not being secured in it
Worth confirming with the device's manufacturer or a dealer before buying.
“This product is suitable for 12V trolling motors up to 70lb thrust; 2*identical batteries in series for 24V trolling motors up to 100lb thrust; 3*identical batteries in series for 36V trolling motors up to 120lb thrust.”
Only at 36 volts, and on published figures — neither maker has named the other and nobody has tested this pairing — check yours before buying.
Only within LiTime's ceiling of 120 lb of thrust for a 36 volt motor on three packs in series, and this motor's 100 lb is within it — check yours before buying.
Only within Redodo's ceiling of 120 lb of thrust for a 36 volt motor on three packs in series, and this motor's 100 lb is within it — check yours before buying.
The packs must be identical to each other — the maker's rule says so, and mixing capacities or ages in series is how one cell group ends up carrying the bank.
The motor's maker asks for 100 Ah minimum for a lead-acid or AGM battery, and 50 Ah to 100 Ah where the battery is lithium, and the battery must be able to supply 60 A of continuous current.
Which of the two figures applies turns on what is inside this pack, and its chemistry is not published in anything we hold — so the stricter one is used.
The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "Max.
This pack is rated 100 Ah and 100 A continuous.
The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "In Series, and In Parallel (up to 4) — Renogy state series support without naming a limit".
The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "Series & Parallel (4S8P)".
The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "Series & Parallel (4S4P)".
This pack is rated 200 Ah and 200 A continuous.
The battery maker's thrust rule covers this motor, but the motor's own documentation asks for 60 A continuously and this pack is rated for 50 A.
Both statements are recorded; neither has been resolved in favour of the other.
One of these, on its own, at 36 V.
This pack is rated 100 Ah and 120 A continuous.
- Epoch Batteries 36V 50Ah Essential SeriesFigures comparedView battery: Epoch Batteries 36V 50Ah Essential Series →
One of these, on its own, at 36 V.
This pack is rated 50 Ah and 100 A continuous.
- Epoch Batteries DP12120H 12V 120Ah Pro SeriesFigures comparedView battery: Epoch Batteries DP12120H 12V 120Ah Pro Series →
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
This pack is rated 120 Ah and 150 A continuous. 4 in parallel and Max. 4 in series".
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "5S5P".
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
This pack is rated 100 Ah and 150 A continuous.
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
- Dakota Lithium 12V 100AhFigures comparedView battery: Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah →
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "not intended or warrantied for serial wiring applications above 48V — three of these packs is 38.4 V, four would be 51.2 V".
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
LiTime 12.8V 100Ah Trolling Motor Smart Battery — User ManualManufacturer documentLiTime
Source: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0667/7220/5788/files/LiTime_12.8V_100Ah_Trolling_Motor_Smart_Battery_-_User_Manual.pdf
Retrieved September 11, 2026
- LiTime 12V 50Ah TMFigures comparedView battery: LiTime 12V 50Ah TM →
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
The two makers do not agree here. The packs must be identical to each other — the maker's rule says so, and mixing capacities or ages in series is how one cell group ends up carrying the bank.
LiTime 12V 50Ah TM — Product ManualManufacturer documentLiTime
Source: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0667/7220/5788/files/LiTime_12V_50Ah_Trolling_Motor_Smart_Battery_-_User_Manual.pdf
Retrieved September 11, 2026
- LiTime 36V 50Ah TMFigures comparedView battery: LiTime 36V 50Ah TM →
One of these, on its own, at 36 V.
“This product is suitable for 36V trolling motors up to 120lb thrust.”
Only within LiTime's ceiling of 120 lb of thrust for a 36 volt motor, and this motor's 100 lb is within it — check yours before buying.
The two makers do not agree here.
LiTime 36V 50Ah TM — Product ManualManufacturer documentLiTime
Source: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0667/7220/5788/files/LiTime_38.4V_50Ah_Trolling_Motors_Smart_Battery_-_User_Manual.pdf
Retrieved September 11, 2026
- Redodo 12V 100Ah Group31 BluetoothFigures comparedView battery: Redodo 12V 100Ah Group31 Bluetooth →
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
“One 12V 100Ah Smart Bluetooth Marine for Trolling Motor battery is suitable for 12V trolling motors up to 70 lbs thrust; 2*identical batteries in series for 24V trolling motors up to 100 lbs thrust; 3*identical batteries in series for 36V trolling motors up to 120 lbs thrust.”
Redodo 12V 100Ah Group 31 Bluetooth Battery — Product ManualManufacturer documentRedodo
Source: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0561/7641/0714/files/Redodo_12V_100Ah_Group31_Bluetooth_Battery.pdf?v=1756804417
Retrieved September 12, 2026
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
“One 12V 100Ah LOW-TEMP battery is suitable for 12V trolling motors up to 70 lbs thrust; 2*identical batteries in series for 24V trolling motors up to 100 lbs thrust; 3*identical batteries in series for 36V trolling motors up to 120 lbs thrust.”
Redodo 12V 100Ah Low-Temp Trolling Motor Battery — Product ManualManufacturer documentRedodo
Source: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0561/7641/0714/files/Redodo_12V_100Ah_low_temp_lithium_trolling_motor_battery_product_manual.pdf?v=1715855487
Retrieved September 12, 2026
- Dakota Lithium 36V 60AhFigures comparedView battery: Dakota Lithium 36V 60Ah →
One of these, on its own, at 36 V.
“With 60Ah capacity, it suits 36V trolling motors with up to 120 lbs of thrust.”
Only within Dakota Lithium's ceiling of 120 lb of thrust for a 36 volt motor, and this motor's 100 lb is within it — check yours before buying.
The two makers do not agree here. The battery maker's own rule covers this motor, quoted above. The motor's maker asks for 100 Ah minimum for a lead-acid or AGM battery, and 50 Ah to 100 Ah where the battery is lithium, and this pack is 60 Ah (its chemistry is not published in anything we hold, so the stricter of the two figures applies). Both statements are recorded and neither has been resolved in favour of the other.
Dakota Lithium — 2024 Product CatalogManufacturer documentDakota Lithium
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
Retrieved September 12, 2026
- LiTime 12V 100Ah TMFigures comparedView battery: LiTime 12V 100Ah TM →
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
“This product is suitable for 12V trolling motors up to 70 lb thrust; 2*identical batteries in series for 24V trolling motors up to 100 lb thrust; 3*identical batteries in series for 36V trolling motors up to 120 lb thrust.”
LiTime 12.8V 100Ah Trolling Motor Battery — Product ManualManufacturer documentLiTime
Source: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0667/7220/5788/files/LiTime_12.8V_100Ah_Trolling_Motor_Battery_-_User_Manual.pdf
Retrieved September 11, 2026
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
This pack is rated 300 Ah and 200 A continuous.
- Epoch Batteries 12105A-H 12V 105Ah Essential SeriesFigures comparedView battery: Epoch Batteries 12105A-H 12V 105Ah Essential Series →
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
This pack is rated 105 Ah and 100 A continuous. 4 in parallel, 4 in series (4S4P)".
Batteries documented as NOT sufficient
The motor's maker asks for 100 Ah minimum for a lead-acid or AGM battery, and 50 Ah to 100 Ah where the battery is lithium, and the battery must be able to supply 60 A of continuous current.
Which of the two figures applies turns on what is inside this pack, and its chemistry is not published in anything we hold — so the stricter one is used.
The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "not intended or warrantied for serial wiring applications above 48V — three of these packs is 38.4 V, four would be 51.2 V".
- RELiON Battery RB36V40 36V 40Ah Lithium BatteryView battery: RELiON Battery RB36V40 36V 40Ah Lithium Battery →
this pack does not reach what the motor's maker asks for: 40 Ah against a floor of 100 Ah; 50 A continuous against a stated 60 A
This pack is rated 40 Ah and 50 A continuous.
this pack does not reach what the motor's maker asks for: 54 Ah against a floor of 100 Ah
This pack is rated 54 Ah and 60 A continuous.
this pack does not reach what the motor's maker asks for: 46 Ah against a floor of 100 Ah; 50 A continuous against a stated 60 A
This pack is rated 46 Ah and 50 A continuous.
this pack does not reach what the motor's maker asks for: 20 Ah against a floor of 50 Ah; 20 A continuous against a stated 60 A
This pack is rated 20 Ah and 20 A continuous. The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "Series & Parallel (4S4P)".
Sources
- Archived document
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/Force_Trolling_Motor_OM_EN-US.pdf
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Battery Recommendations For the Force Trolling Motor | Garmin Customer SupportArchived document
Source: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=ZY96utROfo8AdOceNXevU8
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Archived document
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Force_Trolling_Motor_Service_Alert_June_2020.pdf
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Archived document
Source: static.garmin.com/pumac/force_trolling_motor_field_service_manual_en.pdf
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Force Trolling Motor Owner's Manual - Trolling MotorArchived document
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-7EE20A35-4E0F-4E6A-89E5-270C5C907E3F.html
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Force Trolling Motor Owner's Manual - Motor Thrust and Current-Draw InformationArchived document
Source: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forcetrollingmotor/EN-US/GUID-9BEB843E-2C2B-450E-B9B2-F4C9F29D0C2E.html
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Archived document
Source: static.garmin.com/pumac/Force_Trolling_Motor_Install_Instructions_EN-US.pdf
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Garmin Force® Trolling Motor | 50” Freshwater Trolling MotorArchived document
Source: garmin.com/en-US/p/610376/pn/010-02024-00
Retrieved September 13, 2026
- Archived document
Source: www8.garmin.com/marine/notices/Service_Alert_Force_Trolling_Motor_US.pdf
Retrieved September 13, 2026