Gary- I researched the amperage outputs extensively before buying my Yamaha, and the 25 amp output (300 watts) was a major factor in the motor choice decision along with the new motor having EFI and computer control. I've read a couple of articles where they questioned the net output of the alternator after sutracting for the computer and EFI power consumption, without giving any net quantitive data about how much you really have left. No real numbers here, unfortunately.
Don- Thanks for the verification!
Dave- As regards the Yamaha 1000 watt generator: I have a Honda 1000i genertor to back up my batteries, since I use a 44 lb thrust, 38 (max) amp, engine mounted trolling motor a lot for fishing. I also added two extra group 27 batteries for a total of four, yielding 460 amp-hours capacity. I've found that I can actually troll for 6 or more hours before noticing any drop off in trolling performance (voltage drop), and needing to start the generator for peace of mind, etc. Even at 6 or more hours, however, I've never had any hesitation with the main Yamaha engine starting.
With the C-Dory's great capacity to handle extra weight, an extra battery or two seems to do wonders in expanding your electrical capacity and staying out of trouble!
In retrospect, a generator like we're using costs about $700 or more, depending on the source, and, by comparison, two extra batteries, boxes, wiring and a switch can be had for about $200, or a little more. The extra batteries not only save you $500, but are a lot easier to use, requiring no hooking up, starting, re-fueling, storing, hiding from thieves, or worying about possible water intrusion.
Of course, the generator offers itself for a lot of other uses, both on and off the boat, but having been through it all, the extra batteries and an even an inverter ($200 or so)* make a lot easier and less expensive package than the generator.
Then again, you can have them both and have the extra capacity and security both ways.
Joe. (C-Dory Boats, Electric Boat Division, Surface Fleet)
* This weekend, Harbor Freight Tools here in California is offering their 700 watt (1800 watts surge) inverter that normally retails for about $150 for $49.95 (!) I bought two, one for the C-Dory and another for my 24 ft pontoon boat. One of these will run a small microwave, pulling down about 65 amps of current, and can be used for 5 or more minutes without pulling down a good RV battery very much at all, let alone 2 or 4 of them.