I have owned 2 different types of Submersible PIs. The 1st 1 I used was Garrett's Sea Hunter Mark II (I owned 3). I used this unit exclusively my 1st 2 water hunting seasons (started summer '04). It is an excellent underrated unit. You can obtain a brand new 1 with a 1 year warranty for a little over $600. It is very sensitive (15uS) and deep seeking and of course to really benefit from it's circuitry, all-metal, even though there is a discrimination knob of sorts on the unit. I ran it only at Standard Trash Elimination and Discrimination on 0. The unit needs to be stem mounted, as the coil wire will get hammered in the surf. Been there done that. The coil's lower surface needs to have Loctite Aquamarine Epoxy applied and maintained to keep it from rubbing through, as the unit will false when the factory epoxy separates from the plastic coil housing. The Mark II is submersible to 200 feet. I found my share of loot with the Mark II, however...........
I now own an Aquasearch Goldquest. It also will have issues if hip mounted in the surf. I wrecked the wire on this 1 too. Fact of the matter is, that if you surf hunt, it's a bad idea. I don't care how careful you are, the wire will get stressed or stepped on or something terrible will happen to it. Opinions may very, but that's mine and I'm sticking to it. EVERY water detector I own will be mounted to the shaft from now on. Anyway, this unit will run you $1500 and the deal is, you get 1. They are limited edition and hand built by Eric Foster, who basically designed the PI circuitry that other detector manufacturers are producing today. This is the most sensitive(10uS), deepest seeking submersible PI currently available. It is submersible to around 6 feet. The coil is rugged and I have had no problems rubbing through it. I did have the unit fitted with an 8" coil for the surf. It handles better and can be run hotter than with the factory 11" coil. I have rubbed through all other submersible detectors coils in little or no time. I have completely shredded an Excaliber coil cover (6 months)and ruined the coil in 2 weeks running it without the coil cover. I'm hard on equipment! Just to give you an idea of how well the Aqusearch works. 1 night this summer, I was detecting in a surf area at low tide where I live and got a signal. It was barely audible or repeatable. As I scooped into the sand the tone increased in volume. By the time I had gotten down to the target, I was past elbow deep into the sand. This does not include the water depth (6"). I have found tiny pieces of gold, like little charms. Anyway, this ring ended up being my best find EVER and definitely the best of 2006. It has 120 baggett diamonds in a heavy 10K setting and can be seen, if you review my previous posts. It appraised professionally at $2700. I hate to comment on any other PIs, as I have not used or owned them. If I can help you with any other questions let me know.
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GH
PS-Now I assume that you live in Ohio. This is fresh water territory as far as I know and a PI is not what I would recommend for fresh water. Opinions may very, but I'm sticking to mine, been there done that. There are great detectors available with at least some level of ferrous iron discrimination, without losing the good stuff. If you want a unit that works well in both fresh and salt, or whatever the case may be, then PM me and we'll discuss this further.
GH
