Truth Aquatics Cortes Bank

Truth Aquatics - Cortes Bank

About Truth Aquatics

The Truth Aquatics liveaboard fleet, moored in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, caters to divers or ocean enthusiasts seeking a stress-free getaway. From those with an interest in lobster diving, underwater cinematography, or hiking, guests aboard Truth Aquatics are wonderfully diverse.

Scuba diving the Channel Islands is not the only activity to enjoy. There’s also ocean kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, island hiking, whale watching, sunbathing and fishing. See our calendar for the different types of trips scheduled. Experience them all, or just a few, the choice is yours, and if you consider eating an activity to enjoy then you won’t be disappointed. The Galley crew serves up some of the best meals you will find anywhere! Truth Aquatics well trained and knowledgeable crew are committed to making your trip an enjoyable one.

Unlike many dive operations along the California coast, the Truth Aquatics fleet has been custom designed specifically for diving. Most other dive operations are comprised of vessels that have been converted from some previous use.

Each Truth Aquatics vessel displays the thought made in the design, layout, and amenities. In 1998 Truth Aquatics began working with the Channel Islands National Park to provide hiking trips and it was then that it was discovered how well the boats worked for this use. For detailed information about the Truth Aquatics dive boats, please see Fleet section of the site.

For over three decades, Truth Aquatics has been providing the best in scuba diving adventures in and around the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary.

The next time you consider getting away for a few days of rest and relaxation, think about a liveaboard dive, or hike vacation to the Channel Islands. An alternative to the floating hotel-like atmosphere of cruise ships, this type of cruising offers a more intimate communion with the ocean and its creatures.

Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is a chain of underwater pinnacles and plateaus located 137 nautical miles (nm) South by Southeast from Santa Barbara and about 40 nm Southwest of San Clemente Island. Bishop Rock is one of the peaks in the underwater mountain chain that rises to within 6 feet of the surface and is marked by a nearby warning buoy. It was named for the clipper ship Stillwell S. Bishop that struck the rock in 1855 and with a patched hull limped its way back to San Francisco. Nine Fathom spot is about 4.5 miles Northwest of Bishop Rock and also rises to about 60 feet below the surface. Both are noted scuba diving locations featuring clear water and abundant sea life.

Diving:

Scuba diving Cortes Bank is a truly unique experience. It is an open water seamount where currents sweep clean ocean water over the spot and invertebrates cling to the rocks. Palm kelp fixed to the rocks provides shelter for smaller fish and sealife that hide amongst its fronds. Large clusters of purple hydocoral can be seen throughout the area as well as tuna, yellowtail, large schools of baitfish, sea lions, and occasional sharks. Large black and white sea bass are common sights as well California sheep head. Lobster divers continue to make this spot a top priority to visit during season and free divers frequent the area in the spring and summer for yellowtail, white sea bass, and tuna. Wreck diving can also be done at this location on the Abalonia.

Diving at Cortes Bank can be spectacular but anyone who ventures out there needs to be mentally and physically prepared. On any open ocean dive location one needs to understand that ocean swells and currents are normally present and a flat calm day is rare. When you get good conditions at “The Bank” it will be a dive you will not forget. Sometimes it can be frustrating to get to the bank, but when you do, it can be well worth the effort.

History:

In 1969 a group of promoters bought the World War II surplus troop ship SS Jalisco, renamed her USS Abalonia, and sailed her to the bank intending to sink her in shallow water to form a tax-free island nation and shellfish processing plant. But during the sinking, rough seas broke a mooring line and pushed her into deeper water. Another company planned to build a platform on the bank and form a nation called Taluga, but the US government declared that the bank was part of the continental shelf and was US territory. The wreck of the Abalonia today lies in three pieces in about 30-40 feet of water and scuba divers frequent it often.

On November 2, 1985 the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise struck Cortes Bank about one mile east of Bishop Rock during exercises, putting a 40-foot gash in her outer hull and damaging a propeller. She continued operations then went into dry dock at Hunter’s Point Shipyard in San Francisco for repairs.

Truth

The Truth is the original Truth Aquatics boat, and thanks to regular updates and maintenance it remains a world-class liveaboard diving and excursion vessel. Its reduced rates compared to the rest of the fleet make it an ideal entry level boat for smaller charters and groups of friends. The versatile Truth is equally at home running to San Miguel for spear fishing excursions as it is spending lazy days with kayakers at Painted Cave.

• Date launched: 1974
• Where built: Venice, California
• Length: 65’-0”(weather deck)
• Length overall (LOA): 69’-0”
• Beam: 22’-0”
• Bunk Capacity: 45 people maximum, 12 double bunks, 20 single bunks.
• Type of Bunk facility: Open berthing with pillows, blankets, curtains, and reading lights. Dressing room located in bunkroom.
• Mains engines: Detroit Diesel 8V92 Turbo DDEC @ 550 HP each
• Generators: Northern Lights MP55C, 55 KW, 220/110 Volt
• Cruising speed: 10 Knots
• Fuel Capacity: 1000 Gallons
• Range: 550 Nautical miles
• Electronics: 46 mile radar, VHF Radio, Single Sideband Radio, Video depth finder, Digital depth finder, GPS, • Offshore Navigator Computer Program, Underwater Recall, Dive tracker™
Heads: 2
• Showers: 3 (1 on deck, 2 below deck) , fresh hot water
• Water capacity: 1050 gallons
• Galley: Outfitted with all appliances necessary for food preparation and is waterproof for divers in wetsuits. Onboard built-in Barbeque.
• Galley seating: Cushioned and separate chairs.
• Sundeck: Large upper deck area provides seating and pads for sunbathing.
• Lifesaving: Rafts and Jackets for 49 passengers.
• First Aid: Full first aid kit, O2 bottles, Auto Defibulator, Certified Crew.
• Safety: EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon)
Fixed CO2 engine room fire suppression system
Compressors: Ingersoll-Rand 10T-2@18 C.F.M.
Ingersoll-Rand 15T-4@21 C.F.M.
Capable of filling to 3500 P.S.I.
Nitrox
• Live Game Wells: Built in in transom for game storage.
• Gear Storage: Kayak rack for storing kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards off the deck.
• Stern Compartment: Used for Wetsuit Drying Room, Game Freezing, Clothes Dryer
• Exits: Port, Starboard, and Bow exits for easy water entry. Mask rinsers at each exit.
• Chase Boat: 16 foot Caribe with 40 HP Honda 4-stroke outboard.
• Water Boarding: State of the art ramp at stern for easy boarding
• Dive area: All offshore Islands of Southern California. Primary destination of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel Islands. Other Islands visited are Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, San Nicolas, and Cortez Banks.
• Cost: Individual prices vary depending on charteree. All multi day trips include all meals, snacks, beverages (excluding alcoholic), and air refills
• Owner: Glen Fritzler, Truth Aquatics Inc.
• Address: 301 West Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3886 USA

Concepcion

Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Conception combines larger size and greater speed with the perfectly tailored design of the Truth. The larger size allows for a revised galley and bunk layout, including more double bunks, bathrooms, and showers. This makes the Conception ideal for larger charter groups or limited load trips, with enough comfort to easily bring the Southern Islands within reach.

• Date launched: 1981
• Where built: Long Beach, California
• Length: 75’-0”(weather deck)
• Length overall (LOA): 79’-0”
• Beam: 25’-0”
• Bunk Capacity: 46 people maximum, 13 double bunks, 20 single bunks.
• Type of Bunk facility: Open berthing with pillows, blankets, curtains, and reading lights. Dressing room located in bunkroom.
• Mains engines: Detroit Diesel 8V92 Turbo DDEC @ 550 HP each
• Generators: Northern Lights MP55C, 55 KW, 220/110 Volt
• Cruising speed: 10 Knots
• Fuel Capacity: 1600 Gallons
• Range: 880 Nautical miles
• Electronics: 46 mile radar, VHF Radio, Single Sideband Radio, Video depth finder, Digital depth finder, GPS, Offshore Navigator Computer Program, Underwater Recall, Dive tracker™
Heads: 3
• Showers: 4 (2 on deck, 2 below deck) , fresh hot water
• Water capacity: 1830 gallons
• Galley: Outfitted with all appliances necessary for food preparation and is waterproof for divers in wetsuits. Onboard built-in Bar-B-Que.
• Galley seating: Cushioned and separate chairs.
• Sundeck: Large upper deck area provides seating and pads for sunbathing.
• Lifesaving: Rafts and Jackets for 110 passengers
• First Aid: Full first aid kit, O2 bottles, and crew is certified annually in CPR and O2 administration.
• Safety: EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon)
Fixed CO2 engine room fire suppression system
• Compressors: Ingersoll-Rand 10T-2@18 C.F.M.
Ingersoll-Rand 15T-4@21 C.F.M.
Capable of filling to 3500 P.S.I.
Nitrox
• Live Game Wells: Built in in transom for game storage.
• Gear Storage: Kayak rack for storing kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards off the deck.
• Stern Compartment: Used for Wetsuit Drying Room, Game Freezing, Clothes Dryer
• Exits: Port, Starboard, and Bow exits for easy water entry. Mask rinsers at each exit.
• Chase Boat: 16 foot Caribe with 40 HP Honda 4-stroke outboard.
• Water Boarding: State of the art ramp at stern for easy boarding
• Dive area: All offshore Islands of Southern California. Primary destination of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel Islands. Other Islands visited are Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, San Nicolas, and Cortez Banks.
• Cost: Individual prices vary depending on charteree. All multi day trips include all meals, snacks, beverages (excluding alcoholic), and air refills
• Owner: Glen Fritzler, Truth Aquatics Inc.
• Address: 301 West Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3886 USA

Vision

As the flagship vessel of Truth Aquatics, the 80’ Vision is the largest, fastest, and most spacious boat in the liveaboard fleet. With numerous amenities and comforts, including a fresh water maker, spacious bunkroom, and increased fuel capacity, the Vision is ideal for long range or extended stay trips. From the Big Sur coastline to Cortez Banks, the Vision is prepared to embark on nearly any charter voyage you can dream of.

• Date launched: 1985
• Where built: Oxnard, California
• Length: 80’-0”(weather deck)
• Length overall (LOA): 88’-0”
• Beam: 26’-0”
• Bunk Capacity: 46 people maximum, 13 double bunks, 20 single bunks.
• Type of Bunk facility: Open berthing with pillows, blankets, curtains, and reading lights. Dressing room located in bunkroom.
• Mains engines: Detroit Diesel 60 Series @ 550 HP each
• Generators: Northern Lights MP55C, 55 KW, 220/110 Volt
Isusu 36 KW, 220/110 Volt
• Cruising speed: 10 Knots
• Fuel Capacity: 2000 Gallons
• Range: 1100 Nautical miles
• Electronics: 46 mile radar, VHF Radio, Single Sideband Radio, Video depth finder, Digital depth finder, GPS, Offshore Navigator Computer Program, Underwater Recall, Dive tracker™
Heads: 3
• Showers: 4 (2 on deck, 2 below deck) , fresh hot water
• Water capacity: 1830 gallons. 600 GPD water maker.
• Galley: Outfitted with all appliances necessary for food preparation and is waterproof for divers in wetsuits. Onboard built-in Barbeque.
• Galley seating: Cushioned and separate chairs.
• Sundeck: Large upper deck area provides seating and pads for sunbathing.
• Lifesaving: Rafts and Jackets for 110 passengers
• First Aid: Full first aid kit, O2 bottles, Auto Defibulator, Certified Crew.
• Safety: EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon)
Fixed CO2 engine room fire suppression system
• Compressors: Ingersoll-Rand 10T-2@18 C.F.M.
Ingersoll-Rand 15T-4@21 C.F.M.
Capable of filling to 3500 P.S.I.
Nitrox
• Live Game Wells: Built in in transom for game storage.
• Gear Storage: Kayak rack for storing kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards off the deck.
• Stern Compartment: Used for Wetsuit Drying Room, Game Freezing, Clothes Dryer
• Exits: Port, Starboard, and Bow exits for easy water entry. Mask rinsers at each exit.
• Chase Boat: 16 foot Caribe with 40 HP Honda 4-stroke outboard.
• Water Boarding: State of the art ramp at stern for easy boarding
• Dive area: All offshore Islands of Southern California. Primary destination of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel Islands. Other Islands visited are Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, San Nicolas, and Cortez Banks.
• Cost: Individual prices vary depending on charteree. All multi day trips include all meals, snacks, beverages (excluding alcoholic), and air refills
• Owner: Glen Fritzler, Truth Aquatics Inc.
• Address: 301 West Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3886 USA

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