Accredited Surveyor of the ACMS
As an accredited surveyor through the Association of Certified Marine Surveyors (ACMS), Ralph evaluates a vessel's safety and compliance to US Coastguard regulations and ABYC standards.
- Visit ACMS Website
a marine survey
- We abide by ABYC and ACMS standards
Get To Know SV Quo
After the purchase in 2016 and a subsequent 4 year refitting, SV Quo is a first-of-it’s-kind. Originally an Alan Payne design for Columbia Yachts, Columbia 10.7 (~35'-2"), Quo was intended as a blue water "Super Cruiser." She is now a completely refurbished and modernly updated sailboat re-powered with a DS Zero electric motor.
Kitchen, water, and comfort power are stored in a bank of 680-AH LiFePo batteries. A separate 18KW powertrain battery supplies energy for the electric motor.
We’re out here in the Pacific Ocean testing—and proving—that boats can be self-contained over large distances without using fuels that accompany traditional combustion engines.
Sail Highlights
Journey to The Hawaiian Islands
My deep appreciation for those that have supported me and SV Quo’s zero emission maiden voyage to the Hawaiian Islands from Santa Cruz. Without fossil fuels, propelled by sun, wind, and sea salt.
Solar-Powered Sailing
All of the features on Quo are powered by solar panel or electric battery, and I've outfitted her with a Zero Electric motor to propel her into a greener way of sailing. I believe our nautical practices can be much more environmentally sustainable and I aim to help sailors get there.
Recycled Sail Cloth Creations
As part of the greener sailing effort, I've taken up fashioning a bricolage of accessories out of leftover boat sails. So far I've fashioned some canvas sail bags, frisbees for my corgi, and any everyday tool I can think up. Another site is in the works!
Captain Ralph Royer
Ralph has been tinkering and taking toasters apart since he can remember and built RCR Fabrication and Design to bring his creations and quality metal work to his customers. His ornate staircases and railings can be seen all around the Bay Area and many know him as the talented welding instructor from our local college. However, recently his fascination with boats and their inter-workings has led him to an aquatic-oriented business. Joule Marine is the product of a love for design and dedication to environmental sustainability. SV Quo was his first endeavor to construct a completely self-sustaining vessel operated by solar energy. Now he's committed to helping other sailors embark on greener nautical adventures.
