Boat launch areas

[Waterdog]

Has anyone ever gone under the water metal detecting around any boat launch areas? Talking maybe 10 to 20 feet out? Or is it legal and/or safe to do this.
I was out talking to this guy as he was having problem getting his boat started and wanted to use a pair of Jumper cables. Seen him later and he told me that while working on his boat he took off his nice waterproof watch. Put it on the side of his boat and when he took off in the water he seen it fall off about twenty feet from shore.

 

[Royal]

nothing much old but usually good for some tools or fishing gear. I have found some wrenches that were corroded beyond repair but I usually beat off the crud and if they are Craftsman tools, I take them to Sears and they have never refused to replace them with new ones.

I have found coins too.

I never go when boats are launching. Like diving beaches, I dive usually early in the morning and on rainy days when nobody is around.

 

[Frank in NH]

n/t

 

[TigerNed]

I've hunted a spot just like you describe, found lots of nice coins and stuff.....Even some seated dimes and such.....

Place had a long and old history of being a Marina...

 

[Photoflash]

There is no reason it should not be legal, unless in a National Park or something like that. As to safety, best to do the diving/hunting before or after boat launchings. Also on poor weather days when the boaters are not using the ramps.
I dive a marina when I can, under the boats. Very, very mucky, and lot of trash, but also lots of goodies too.

 

[Macaco]

I like to jump in the water at launch ramps with a mask and snorkel and work the concrete ramp.

There is so much metal....pulltabs, cans, bolts, screws, washers, bottle caps, rebar (in the concrete) that I've had no luck using a metal detector at ramps. Eyeballing with mask and snorkel works well though.