Newish Garmin fishing devise at boat show

[nzfisher]

Saw it current boat show in Seattle. It is called the Kracken. Similar to a Minnkota electric trolling motor, this device claims to hold your GPS position using two receivers. It is mounted on the front of a boat with up to a 90” shaft to make sure the prop stays in the water. My question is has any one used one on their boat? I was told by a Garmin sales rep who has one on a 25’ boat that it does in fact hold a GPS position in normal seas.

Does anyone have any experience with this device? Would be ideal for halibut fishing if it works. Would like to try one on my 25 but like to get feed back first if possible.

Thanks

Swims with Tuna

 

[Hamster]

That is really pricey, perhaps due to the integrated sonar. When fishing for halibut off the coast last year, I did see people holding their spot with a front trolling motor. I suspect you could do that with a cheaper model.

If you have a trolling motor, you might want to look at the Garmin Reactor Kicker autopilot. It can plot a course to a destination. I haven’t tried holding a position with mine, yet, but suspect if you throttle down and head into the current, you could do it. Maybe you end up circling around the spot? The Reactor autopilot is far better than the Panther remote that came with my boat for trolling. Maybe this is another option with multiple uses.

 

[bob daily]

The anchor-lock, trolling motor holding position or spot lock feature has been around for quite some time and is very common on the electric trolling motors on fishing boats. They work great on the boats that have them that I've fished on, usually your higher end bass boats. The electric trolling motor can turn 360 degrees making it easier to hold a position, usually the better units use a 24 volt system so two extra batteries will be needed. Size of boat, wind and current will determine if the unit will work for your boat. They are usually on low profile bass boats so the wind is minimal and usually activated in calm water where the current is such that the motor can keep up with it. Any sporting store that stocks trolling motors will be able to answer your questions (Bass Pro Shop) is a excellent source.
Bottom line is I would be very surprised to find one that would work on a fluid motions boat even a R-21! But I may be wrong. Bob

 

[Hamster]

Bob - the boats I saw on the ocean past Neah Bay holding their spot were way bigger than your Scuttlebutt. I’m pretty sure they were around R-25 size (length and beam). The water was flat but with swells.

 

[DMD3]

We’ve got a Kracken being installed now on a Tidewater 27’ w/ 9’ beam center console. Will be sea trialing (i.e first fishing trips) in a couple weeks down in FL. Not as heavy as R27 of course, but close. Spot hold and contour following is primary reason for install. Also doing Seakeeper Ride. If still interested can report back findings.

 

[nzfisher]

Dave,
Thanks for reply. Posted you a PM.

 

[Edmund]

We’ve got a Kracken being installed now on a Tidewater 27’ w/ 9’ beam center console. Will be sea trialing (i.e first fishing trips) in a couple weeks down in FL. Not as heavy as R27 of course, but close. Spot hold and contour following is primary reason for install. Also doing Seakeeper Ride. If still interested can report back findings.

YES interested in SeaKeeper RIDE results....please.