Garmin Force vs. Lowrance Ghost: Features and Differences

Introduction

In this article, we examine the features and distinctions between the Garmin Force and Lowrance Ghost to help you choose the right trolling motor. Both units were introduced at ICAST 2019 and quickly became two of the most popular flagship solutions.

Both are bow-mount motors with scissor-style brackets and dual gas lifts, making them easy to stow and deploy. Each features an ultra-quiet, efficient brushless motor that can run on either 24 V or 36 V. On the water, I did not notice any significant power difference.

Warranty: Both models include a 3-year full warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the shaft.

Freshwater / Saltwater Use

• Garmin Force: designed for both freshwater and saltwater.
• Lowrance Ghost: recommended for freshwater only.

Shaft Lengths

• Garmin Force: 50″ and 57″
• Lowrance Ghost: 47″, 52″, and 60″

Design Differences

• Garmin Force: uses a composite shaft connecting the lower unit to the controller. Steering is managed by a servo module at the front of the bracket.
• Lowrance Ghost: also has a composite shaft between the lower unit and controller but adds an aluminum outer tube linked to the bow mount. This provides a 360° breakaway joint that absorbs impacts and improves durability. All steering components are housed within the controller body, so the motor head cover does not rotate; instead, a top arrow indicates direction.

GPS and Networking

Both models support GPS features such as Anchor Lock and Heading Lock.

• Garmin Force: adds Cruise Control and wireless integration with Garmin chartplotters, allowing you to create routes and follow tracks via Wi-Fi.
• Lowrance Ghost: supports Anchor Lock, Heading Lock, and Course Lock; advanced functions require connection to compatible Lowrance units through an NMEA 2000 network.

Foot Pedal

• Garmin Force: comes with a wireless pedal that can be placed anywhere in the boat. Runs on two AA batteries or can be hardwired to 12 V. Includes steering, speed, and prop controls, plus Anchor Lock and Heading Hold buttons.
• Lowrance Ghost: comes with a wired pedal featuring a reversible momentary switch (left or right side). Like the Force, it provides steering, speed, and prop control, plus Anchor Lock and user-defined shortcuts.

Remote Control

• Garmin Force: includes a waterproof, floating remote with a sunlight-readable display. Provides full control of steering, prop, and GPS functions, as well as point-and-go and four programmable keys (can also control a chartplotter). It even supports compatible Garmin watches, allowing you to steer the motor from your wrist.
• Lowrance Ghost: remote included only with the 60″ model; for 47″ and 52″ it must be purchased separately. The remote has no display and limited functions: speed, steering, and Anchor Lock.

Built-In Transducer (Sonar)

• Garmin Force: comes with the GT54UHD transducer — CHIRP, Ultra-High-Def ClearVü, and SideVü (works with compatible Garmin fishfinders).
• Lowrance Ghost: standard HDI nose-cone transducer (CHIRP + DownScan). Optional upgrade to Active Imaging 3-in-1 nose-cone to add SideScan (about +$300).

Price

• Garmin Force: approx. $3,550–$3,650 (depending on shaft length)
• Lowrance Ghost: approx. $3,500–$3,750 (depending on shaft length)