The belief that some of the most unique treasures are hidden at the bottom of the rivers or seas is pretty true. The point is, underwater detecting is one of the most complicated metal detecting activities, requiring both equipment and skills. And even having both does not guarantee finding the treasure that is down below. This is the reason why so few people do underwater detecting, and so many treasures still remain hidden.
Yet, many enthusiasts become excited with the perspective and start wondering what is the best underwater metal detector and how can they find a treasure. However, to choose one properly, one needs to take into consideration the following factors:
- location – salty or freshwater body of water
- depth of reach
- own swimming skills
You can find more detailed information on these aspects on Detect History, get expert guides, and read comparative reviews on machines. For now, let’s discuss the main aspects of underwater treasure seeking.
Salty VS Freshwater
The aspect of water is very important. While the majority of underwater machines show more or less equal ability to withstand water as environment, salty water is different from freshwater due to its more complicated chemical composition. This chemical composition often makes the detector react as if it spotted some objects. In other words, salty water distorts the signal of the detector, and the seeker gets false alarm all the time.
The saltier the water, the more considerable distortion you are likely to face. This is the reason why you should choose machine that has special discrimination feature to filter the response of the machine to salty water. If you plan to hunt in freshwater, such discrimination feature is unnecessary.
Shallow Waters
Now, let’s talk depth. The simplest option is a machine that has a waterproof coil – with it, you will be able to hunt for targets in shallow water, not deeper than around 1 foot. This is not a bad option, though, if your main purpose is looking for modern jewelry dropped on the public beach. Some people manage to spot enough jewelry to sell it for good money.
However, this type of machines is not very good after all, because, firstly, you cannot reach deeper than 1 foot, even if you suspect something promising out there. Secondly, in case water spills on your detector higher than coil, you have good chances to get a malfunction.
10 Feet Depth
This is the option of choice for the majority of metal detectorists. The point is, you can submerge the machine underwater to the depth of up to 10 feet, and work with it for around half an hour without pausing, then get it out for a while.
This option is fine, because you can reach deeper that knee-depth, without being afraid to destroy the control panel. Plus, if you suddenly get wet under the rain, nothing happens to the machine, as well.
This is the most popular model, because it allows a pretty deep underwater hunt, but without extremes, and most people are fit enough to do that without bigger expense (but keep in mind that such device is of course more expensive than one with waterproof coil).
Deep Underwater Detecting
Deep underwater detecting suggests depth more than 10 feet, and probably submersion for longer periods of time. This is kinda an expert level, and few people have equipment, additional accessories, skill, and also assistance to do that. However, it is not impossible; in fact, deep underwater search can bring finds that will make the seekers famous.
Conclusion
If you would like to find some treasures underwater, choose proper machine and consider locations for treasure hunting, but please keep in mind that underwater search is some of the most complicated ones.