I'm sad enough to say I loved my time in boats. First volunteered as a Dabber, but then re-catted. Tried again as a REM, but picked up my hook and finally succeeded after Mech's course.
I enjoyed being under the ice chasing Ivan. I loved it when we found a new Soviet boat, one time we were even sent out as 'bait' to flush out an alleged German spy! But it was annoying if we had to stay out if things were 'interesting'.
There is (was) much more informality, more responsibility etc. Then there is the elephant in the room - the extra dosh.
You can 'escape', after I think 5 years, but most don't - many have got too used to the extra dosh to make the break.