The R/V Questuary is a 38' aluminum-hulled, shallow draft vessel designed by Sparkman and Stephens in 1975 and acquired in 1991 by the San Francisco State University Foundation. Operated by the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, the Questuary has been converted for oceanographic research by the addition of an A-frame, electrical conducting hydraulic winch and windlass, onboard instruments and computers.
Drawing only 3'9” of water, the Questuary is well suited for work in the San Francisco Bay, Delta and nearshore coastal ocean. The welded aluminum hull has a skid plate running the length of the keel, which protects the shafts, propeller and rudder. The vessel is powered by twin Cummins 250 horse power turbo diesel engines and cruises at 16 knots, with a maximum speed of 20 knots. Recent features added to the Questuary include an underway data acquisition system for collecting surface water physical parameters and wireless high speed data connection to the Internet. More information can be found on the specifications and features page.
Interested in chartering the Questuary for scientific research, education or outreach? Please, download our PDF brochure for more information or view our page on scientific charters.
R/V Questuary and the UNOLS Fleet
The Questuary is a member of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). UNOLS is an organization of 61 academic institutions and national laboratories involved in oceanographic research and joined for the purpose of coordinating oceanographic ships' schedules and research facilities. More information on the the small vessel UNOLS fleet can be found on the UNOLS web site.
The R/V Questuary is a 38' aluminum-hulled, shallow draft vessel designed by Sparkman and Stephens in 1975 and acquired in 1991 by the San Francisco State University Foundation. Operated by the 
Drawing only 3'9” of water, the Questuary is well suited for work in the San Francisco Bay, Delta and nearshore coastal ocean. The welded aluminum hull has a skid plate running the length of the keel, which protects the shafts, propeller and rudder. The vessel is powered by twin Cummins 250 horse power turbo diesel engines and cruises at 16 knots, with a maximum speed of 20 knots. Recent features added to the Questuary include an underway data acquisition system for collecting surface water physical parameters and wireless high speed data connection to the Internet. More information can be found on the 
The Questuary is a member of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS).