can you pick your platform? Id love to go p3s just for the family, and the whole no boat thing.
Yea, that whole P-3's and "no boat thing" is a myth. It is entirely possible that you could deploy with your squadron and then get "selected" to go be a laison over on the carrier. While, you most likely wouldn't do the whole deployment on the boat, it IS boat time none the less. Additionally, when you come up for dissassociated sea tour orders, guess what? Yea, boat time.
If you want to fly P-3's because of the lifestyle, you think the planes are sexy, or the different missions they do, then knock your socks off. But don't choose a platform based on avoiding sea time. If you really don't want to go to sea, join the Air Force. Nothing wrong with doing that; plent of people do it every year. Yes, they get made fun of, but that's just something you'll have to live with.