Oh man do I need some help

[Anonymous]

First off, I'm glad I found a pack of experts.
Here is my dilema.
I was out on my dock, and dropped a ring into the water. Not just a ring, but a family heirloom. It's a long story, but it's a ring made from an american quarter.
So, it's down there, in the silt, probably no deeper than 4 inches. Depending on the tide, the water is anywhere from 4 feet deep to a foot and a half.
I borroed my buddies Garrett GTI 2500. It says the coil can go underwater. So my plan is to wait till low tide and try and search for it. I have never used a metal detector before and the book seems to be written for people with experience.
Here is my million dollar question. I need a plan of attack. Any suggestions? Any movement kicks up a lot of silt.
I'm almost willing to pay someone with experience to find it. I'm also worried that I will find every bottle cap and nail used to build the dock.
I'm desperate!!!
Thanks for any advice you may be able to give.
Signed
Desperate in Tampa, FL

 

[Anonymous]

...all Garretts are pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it, but there is a learning curve especially with the high end machine like the 2500 that offers many features. If you read the manual, you may have noticed that the manufacturer suggests that it will take 100 hours with the machine before you start becoming proficient.

Since, as you mentioned, every movement is gonna stir up silt, you may have one shot at getting this right before hopelessly burying your family heirloom.

The other thing you should seriously consider is though the coil and stem of the 2500 is submersible, the control box is not, and if you accidently dunk it or get hit by a wave, you may permanently damage that borrowed machine. Yikes! There are metal detectors that are made specifically for searching underwater.

As you may have noticed there are many different forums at Findmall (Garrett, Minelab, Beach Hunting, etc, etc... see pull down menu near the top) and lots of people from just about everywhere who frequent the various boards on this site. You might consider posting a message on a few of these forums to see if you can find someone with experience in your area that will help you. You'll find that for the most part, metal detecting guys are a pretty good bunch, and will be delighted to help you out.

One last word. Be very, very careful playing with that 2500--you just might get hooked on metal detecting like the rest of us here!!!

Good luck with finding your family ring. :thumbup

 

[Uncle Willy]

If the ring is made from a quarter then it will detect just like a coin and should be easy to pick up. If you've never used a detector, especially a 2500, I would get someone with experience to search for it as you can lose it quick in that silt. If it's shallow in the silt you can fan the silt away with your hand to reveal the ring, but you really need a scoop. You can buy one or make a simple one out of a plastic laundry soap jug. Just cut it in the shape of a scoop, naturally leaving the handle on, then drill some three-eigths inch drain holes in it and you're in business. Good luck.

Bill

PS.
The longer it sits down there he deeper it will settle in the silt.

 

[Dang]

Maybe a local metal detector dealer can hook you up with a few detecting club members. I know that the'll be more then happy to help you.
Don't forget to let us know what happens. Good luck and "Happy Hunting"

 

[Anonymous]

My location is Apollo Beach, FL. It's about 10 miles South of Tampa. I tried the Garmin yesterday. I guess I need more experience with it. Lot's of conflicting readings, from what little I know. Tons of stuff the size of a quarter, but they all read 12 inches down. She can't be that deep, the silt only goes down an inch or two.

 

[1250hunter]

Hey any luck in finding this?

 

[Anonymous]

I was contacted by a guy who lives about an hour from here. He is going to come help me, probably tomorrow. I'm quite floored at his generocity and I'm praying we locate it. His confidence has renewed mine. I'll keep you posted.