Using NMEA 2000 to supply power to an accessory

[tdt91]

Not sure how that works. have been told it doesn't draw current when off and will turn itself off when not in use. Maybe sleeping with a very low current draw -- nothing like a trolling motor draws when left connected. Since it needs so little current, I would suggest connecting through the battery cutoff or the accessory switch. If the OP uses the NMEA network as discussed above, it is probably switched. I just can't see adding another toggle on the boat to remember to turn off.

So a Maxxum left plugged in will draw static power when not in use?

[Larry3215]

There are a whole hell of a lot of point 5 heading sensors installed on the transom that work fine.

Im sure there are - which is why I said 'may' have more issues. I also said it will depend on the boat. On my boat, the transom would be a very poor choice, but Im sure other boats would work fine. I was just pointing out that there are more potential sources of magnetic interference at the transom than at the front of the boat.

No matter where you put it, you need to test the location for magnetic interference first - or just hope you get lucky :)

[Larry3215]

Seems it must still draw some minimal battery power when off (actually sleep mode?) as it waits and listens for its paired bluetooth connection to reappear.

Yes, any device that has a "wake up" feature has to draw some power even when sleeping. It may not be much, so its probably only an issues if the boat isnt charged for a long time - like over the winter maybe. If you keep your batteries on a maintenance charger it will never be an issue.

[Jonestrollingmotor]

So a Maxxum left plugged in will draw static power when not in use?

If it's a variable speed, yes -- 5 speed, no