The Thunderbolt?

[Buoyant1]

Anyone dive the Thunderbolt off of Marathon Florida?

I'm heading down at the end of next month and doing a wreck specialty with Capt. Hooks, and we're diving Flagler's Barge on day one, and the Thunderbolt on day two.

I heard from a few people (mostly people that I spoke with with some of the op's I was checking out down there)that it's a great dive, anyone have any opinions on it?

[Capt Hook]

You'll enjoy it; machinery space is open, lots of life when we were there.

[Buoyant1]

Originally Posted by Capt Hook

You'll enjoy it; machinery space is open, lots of life when we were there.

What a great dive that was!!! I'd love to do it again!

Saw a few huge Goliath Groupers, and some rather large 'cuda's. The wreck is just a great wide open dive and there was a lot to do (with the limited time)

I only wish that we were able to hit the sand to see the props...we had some "business" to take care of since it was two training dives, maybe next time.

First dive we hit the stern, dropped intot he hold to scout our penetration point for rhe next dive, then swam up and through the wheelhouse, tied off our reels to the windows, and ran out to the end of the bow, and back to practice...then toured the port side and back to the hold and up through one of the holes in the back to our safety stops.

After out SI, we dropped down to the stern again, and did our penetration from the bottom deck towards the front (to the large hole below the reel) then turned around and followed the line back out (with my eyes closed to simulate a slit out condition) then we toured from the starboard side up to the reel, around that back around the port side to the stern and back up the line...two awesome dives!

[snyder42]

I just dove it in December! I too was tagged with a training group. No sweat, my last dive to that depth was the Blue Hole years ago. Was a stunning visual dive that was. I dove with Captain Hook and they were simply GREAT! I am definitely going back but this time with some tech training and more air!

[Buoyant1]

Originally Posted by snyder42

I just dove it in December! I too was tagged with a training group. No sweat, my last dive to that depth was the Blue Hole years ago. Was a stunning visual dive that was. I dove with Captain Hook and they were simply GREAT! I am definitely going back but this time with some tech training and more air!

No kidding? I went with Capt. Hook also! I did my course with Mike and had a great time!

I'm planning another trip same time next year (but may also get down in April) I'm looking forward to hitting it again, and seeing what I didn't get to see.

My only issue with the Keys is finding tank other than 80's to dive with! I took my 119's when I was down in November, but when we go in April, we will probably fly...I don't like doing deeper dives with 80's (or with out a pony if I'm diving 80's!)