Hello all. New guy, need advice.

[AncientCityGuy]

Hi all. I'm a new guy to this site and the hobby.

I am a St. Augustine, FL native (the nations "oldest city", as they call it) and live within 9-Iron distance of the ocean. I've decided to take up the hobby because, well, I live in a good place to do it. There are a fairly large number of Spanish wrecks resting in the waters within a few miles of my house, and artifacts from them are regularly washing up on the beach, or being discovered. Prior to our "beach renourishment" project (where we filled in our entire beach with miles upon miles upon billions of tons of sand, 7'-8' in depth) the beach detecting was pretty good (according to friends). Now, it's pot-luck.

Also, there is some pretty virgin relic hunting that's yet to be worked.

I need a good detector that can be used in water at least up to my waist. Also, I may need a fully immersible unit, as I Scuba dive. Can anyone suggest a unit that is functional, good for a beginner yet won't break the budget? As is the case with all of my other hobbies, if it really takes, I'll wind up buying "the best" in due time, but I like to start out modest.

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[normdiver]

Minelab X-cal 1000, will break the bank but if you start out with the best you dont have to worry about selling a detector that you have only used a few months and want to trade up to a Minelab. You can dive with it as deep as scuba will take you also. I think most of the guys and gals here will agree with me. Reserch the past posts for all the info you need. We gotum, We useum

 

[Sanddigger]

Unfortunately, it's a little pricey $1,095.00, but you know the saying, "You get what you pay for".

Good luck and welcome!

 

[Sanddigger]

n/t

 

[Bobbie]

I don't know where you plan on diving but there are rules in Florida for certain areas where you cannot detect because of claims filed with the state.