Your Experiences on M/V Fling

[Vercingetorix]

I'm diving the Texas Flower Gardens next month from the M/V Fling. Having already paid, I was talking to one of the fine folks at ST who told me you couldn't pay him to take that boat ride. He said, "It's a guys boat". In otherwords, no nancy-boys. Bunks are hard, too.
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<DIV>What have been your experiences? How was the crew? Food? Service? Comfort? Pros? Cons?</DIV>

[ScubaToys Larry]

Yea, I did it... and maybe I've just become a spoiled baby diver... but it is a bit sparse for creature comforts by live aboard standards. I've done aggressor and peter hughes boats, and having a cabin, great meals cooked and served... very nice.

The fling at the time - and this was years ago, we had stacked bunks in a few common areas, 2 bathrooms shared between 30 people and with the waves in the gulf, it was constant rocking.

When I've done other live aboards, if the wind came from the north, they just moved to the other side of an island - and bingo - calm waters.

Now true - an aggressor or peter hughes for a week is like 1500+ vs 350 for a weekend, but when you factor in the drive time and expense - for me, I'd rather catch a flight to Cozumel or Cayman, and in the scheme of things - it doesn't cost that much more - and then I have my choice of meals, solid ground to stand on, my own shower, etc...

But that being said, I know a lot of people who like doing the flower gardens trips. I'm also one of those guys that thinks camping means the HBO is fuzzy on the TV and there was no chocolate on my pillow.

If you don't mind roughing it a bit - I'm sure you'll have a great time. Watch the currents and stay with the group - keep on eye on depth. Be Safe - and have fun!

[ertechsg]

In other words he is saying Thanks for all money you spent taking classes and for buying all your gear here. HOPE WE SEE YOU AGAIN.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by ertechsg

In other words he is saying Thanks for all money you spent taking classes and for buying all your gear here. HOPE WE SEE YOU AGAIN.

Come on now... That's just not true!!! If someone bought all their gear and took all their classes, why would we care if we see them again? [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

[ertechsg]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Come on now... That's just not true!!! If someone bought all their gear and took all their classes, why would we care if we see them again? [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

I know. Besides he still has more classes and gear to obtain.

[Vercingetorix]

Larry,
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<DIV>Thanks for the review of the Fling. That goes along with the comments of your partner-in-crime, Joe.</DIV>
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<DIV>I think this will be one of those things I do ONCE, just to say been there, done that.</DIV>
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Originally Posted by ertechsq

I know. Besides he still has more classes and gear to obtain.

Does one EVER STOP buying gear? I think not. I've taken all my classes from ST (OW, AOW, Rescue, First Aid). Will soon take DAN O2 (if we can find Woody. Our last Rescue class may have frightened-off the lad. he referred to our class as one of his least professional (he was smiling). Thus, any future Rescue class will have set the bar high to achieve our low standards). ) Looking forward to NAUI TA/DM and basic Tech diving (wreck penetration)...more gear...more training.</DIV>
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<DIV>In fact, in less that an hour, I'll be at ST buying more stuff. It never stops...</DIV>
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[frankc420]

Why not spend a little more and go on the M/V Spree? Less divers, free nitrox.

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by frankc420

Why not spend a little more and go on the M/V Spree? Less divers, free nitrox.

I was invited by my OW instructor (Mac MacPherson, NAUI ScubaToys) to go with his sister and uncle. I have only one blue water dive. Although I have AOW and Rescue certifications, I just feel more comfortable diving this unfamiliar environment with an experienced hand.
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<DIV>I take as gospel "Never dive beyond your training". With an experienced NAUI instructor as a dive buddy (and a person I absolutely trust, period), one might say I'm getting OJT for the first dive and checkout dive on the second. There will be a night dive as well that I'm looking forward to.</DIV>
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<DIV>So, although this is a vacation dive for Mac and he refuses any kind of tip, he will find his account at ST to have a positive balance upon our return.</DIV></DIV>

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

Please write a detailed trip report when you get back.

Can do, with photos. First real chance to use underwater camera I bought from TxHockeyGuy. I need to buy (and sneak by wife) an underwater housing. She thinks I bought the camera for her. She's so young, so naive...

[Texas Girl]

I have been on the Fling twice, before the ownership change-over. As long as you understand that it is basically like camping on the water, you will be fine. I would do the trip again.