Sand Shark Users

[Stevo]

2 questions for you - 1. When your machine is not in use do you bother slacking off the two clips which hold the front plate on or not ? I wasn't sure whether the seal would be affected by being constantly squeezed up.
2. Bearing in mind that the front plate gets taken off constantly (for cleaning and changing batteries) do you have any problems with the wiring getting damaged or leaks ? I've never had a waterproof detector before and the fact that the electronics are all exposed rather than sealed up like the Seahunter does worry me. (It was a real surprise when I opened the box and found that out!)
The Sand Shark does seem to have a good reputation so I guess I'm just after a bit of reassurance that I picked the right machine (especially as I'm going to have to post it back to the USA for any repairs)

 

[Tony]

Stevo,

I don't have the Sand Shark but I would definitely undo the clips to release the compression seated on the O-ring.
This will allow the O-ring to retain it's movement and not be flattened down continuously.
Just ensure that the O-ring and mating surface is free of any sand and grit.

Tony.

 

[tvr]

I have a Sand Shark. I only undo the clips for battery changes. After each hunt I rinse the detector in fresh water and wipe it down. When I change the batteries, I very carefully clean the area where the O-ring sits, very lightly grease the O-ring and clamp it back together. After about 4 years with the detector, no problems other than the coil I stepped on and damaged after getting knocked over by a wave. I bought a used coil to replace it. Sand Shark is a pretty solidly built unit.
Cheers,
tvr

 

[Stevo]

Thanks for the advice guys, thats what I wanted to hear.

 

[pelanj]

Well, I have a Tiger Shark in the same case. I think it does not make any sense to open the door for other purposes than changing the battery or internal settings. The seals in general are designed to be compressed and as long as the rubber is chemically OK, they will always restore to their former shape while the door is opened. If the rubber is flattened, then you need a new one really soon.

 

[Curt]

I am looking at the Sand Shark machine. I have very little experience with metal detecting but will be using it mostly at the beach and in shallow water, maybe waist deep. Does anyone have a machine they think will be better for me or is this one a good choice.

Thanks for your help,
Curt

 

[Bleaver]

I've owned the Stingray 2, the Tiger Shark, and now have the Sand Shark. All had/have the same box. I also kept them fastened and never had any problems. I believe the o-rings expand to the shape of the covers when compressed.

I liked the Stingray 2 and regret having ever sold it. I was never was happy with the Tiger Shark it was always too chirpy for me but that may have been my particular machine. I now use Fisher CZ20 - CZ21 for fresh water hunting and about 50% of the time for salt water.
I use the Sand Shark the other 50% of the time for salt water hunting. It is a terrific machine. The thin coil cuts thru the water much easier than most other machines. There is no comparison between the Sand Shark gliding thru the water and pushing the CZ 10.5 inch coil (or worse the Whites Dual Field). The Whites Surf PI Pro also had a thin profile coil that was a pleasure to use in the water, but it did have a tendency to leak on occasion. But not of the Tesoro's ever leaked on me.

I do have trouble taking the o-ring out of the groove of the cover to clean and grease it. It's a real bugger and you have to be real careful not to nick it.

 

[Stevo]

Thanks Bleaver