Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II: Essential Beach Finds

The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is a robust, submersible tool perfect for finding treasures on the beach, from coins to jewelry. This guide details its features and how to maximize your finds in saltwater and wet sand.

Are you heading to the beach with dreams of finding buried treasure? The ocean holds many secrets, from lost coins to sparkling jewelry. But finding them can be tough. The saltwater and wet sand can hide signals, making it hard for many detectors to work well. You need a detector built for this job.

I’ve spent countless hours by the ocean, testing different machines. The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector stands out as a reliable companion for any beachcomber. It’s designed to handle the challenging conditions of saltwater environments. This guide will show you what makes it special and how to use it to find those amazing beach finds.

Why the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II Excels at the Beach

The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is built tough for beach hunting. It works great in saltwater and even underwater. This means you can find treasures not just on the dry sand, but also in the surf and even while diving.

Its robust design means it can handle being dropped or bumped. This is important when you are moving around on the beach or in the water. It’s a detector you can count on for many beach detecting trips.

Designed for Saltwater and Underwater Use

This detector is fully submersible up to 200 feet. This is a huge advantage for beach hunting. You can search where other detectors can’t go.

The saltwater environment has minerals that can confuse other detectors. The Sea Hunter Mark II has special settings to ignore these minerals. This helps it find targets more clearly in the salty water and wet sand.

Key Features for Beach Detectors

The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector has features perfect for the beach. It has adjustable discrimination to ignore junk metal. It also has a pulse induction (PI) system, which is excellent for saltwater.

The detector is easy to use, even for beginners. You can adjust settings to suit different conditions. This makes it a versatile tool for finding various types of targets.

Understanding the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II’s Technology

The technology inside the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is what makes it great for the beach. It uses Pulse Induction, or PI, technology. This is different from the Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors many people use on land.

PI technology sends pulses of energy into the ground. It then measures the return signal. This method is less affected by the salt in the sand and water. That’s why it performs so well in saltwater environments where VLF detectors struggle.

Pulse Induction (PI) Explained Simply

Think of PI like sending out a quick ping. The detector listens for the echo. If the echo comes back quickly, it might be a piece of junk. If it takes a bit longer, it could be a good target like a coin or ring.

PI detectors are very sensitive. They can find targets deep in the ground. They also don’t get fooled by the salty minerals in the sand, which is a big problem for other detectors.

Ground Balancing for Saltwater

The Sea Hunter Mark II has a feature called ground balancing. This helps the detector adjust to the specific minerals in the ground. For beaches, this means it can ignore the salt and other minerals.

This feature is crucial for getting clear signals. Without good ground balancing, the detector might give false signals or miss targets. The Sea Hunter Mark II does this well, making your detecting easier.

Essential Beach Finds with the Sea Hunter Mark II

The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector can help you find many exciting things on the beach. People lose all sorts of items, especially near the water. Your detector can help you recover them.

From shiny coins to precious jewelry, the possibilities are vast. Knowing what to look for and where to look can greatly improve your success rate. Let’s explore some of the most common and exciting finds.

Coins and Currency

Coins are a very common find on beaches worldwide. People drop them, they fall out of pockets, and sometimes they get washed ashore. You’ll likely find modern coins, but occasionally, you might unearth older, more valuable ones.

The Sea Hunter Mark II is sensitive enough to pick up the signals from coins, even when they are buried in wet sand. Keep an eye out in areas where people gather, like near lifeguard stands or popular swimming spots.

Jewelry and Rings

Lost rings and other jewelry are often the most sought-after beach finds. These items can range from simple silver bands to expensive gold pieces with gemstones. The thrill of finding lost jewelry is immense.

The detector’s sensitivity helps it pick up the small, often irregular signals from jewelry. Areas where people swim or play in the water are prime spots for lost rings. Always use a pinpointer to help locate small targets accurately.

Other Interesting Finds

Beyond coins and jewelry, you might find other interesting items. These can include small metal toys, fishing lures, buckles, or even old relics if you are near historical sites. Each find tells a story.

These items add to the adventure of beach detecting. The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is capable of finding a wide variety of metal objects. Keep an open mind about what you might uncover.

Maximizing Your Finds: Techniques and Tips

Using the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector effectively takes practice. Knowing how to use its settings and where to search will lead to more finds. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your detecting sessions.

Think of these tips as your treasure map. They will guide you to better locations and help you understand your detector’s signals. This will make your beach hunting more successful and enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Coil

The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II typically comes with a specific coil designed for its PI technology. While many PI detectors have single coil options, understanding coil size can matter. Larger coils cover more ground but might miss very small targets. Smaller coils are more sensitive to tiny items but cover less area.

For general beach hunting, the standard coil that comes with the detector is usually a good all-around choice. If you find yourself wanting to search very shallow areas for tiny gold nuggets (less common on most beaches but possible), a smaller coil might be considered, but this is less common for this model.

Effective Searching Patterns

When searching the beach, use a systematic approach. Walk in straight lines, overlapping your passes slightly. This ensures you cover every inch of the area.

Pay attention to the signals your detector gives. Learn to distinguish between faint signals and strong ones. Strong signals often mean larger targets.

Understanding Signals and Target ID

While PI detectors like the Sea Hunter Mark II don’t offer traditional target ID numbers like VLF detectors, they do provide audio cues. You will hear different tones or changes in the signal strength. Learning to interpret these audio cues is key.

A consistent, strong signal usually indicates a good target. Erratic or weak signals might be junk or mineralized ground. Practice helps you learn what each sound means.

Essential Accessories for Beach Detecting

To make your beach detecting experience smoother and more productive, a few accessories are very helpful. These tools complement your Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector. They help you dig, sort, and carry your finds.

Having the right gear makes a big difference. It saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on finding treasure. Let’s look at what you’ll need.

Pinpointer: Your Best Friend on the Beach

A pinpointer is a small, handheld metal detector. Once you get a signal from your main detector, the pinpointer helps you find the target in the dug-up soil. It’s incredibly useful for locating small items like rings and earrings quickly.

Without a pinpointer, finding a tiny coin or ring in a pile of sand can be very frustrating. It saves a lot of digging time and reduces the chance of losing your target.

Digging Tools: Shovels and Trowels

You’ll need good digging tools. A sturdy beach scoop or shovel is essential for moving wet sand. A smaller hand trowel is useful for more precise digging, especially when you’re getting close to a target.

Look for tools made of durable material that won’t rust easily. Many beach scoops have holes to let the sand drain away, making it easier to find your target.

Sifting and Carrying Gear

A sand sifter is a great tool for separating targets from sand. You can use it to sift through the sand you dig out. This makes it easier to spot your finds.

For carrying your finds, a small pouch or bag is necessary. You’ll also want a way to carry your detector and other tools.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Sea Hunter Mark II

Even the best metal detectors can have issues sometimes. The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is reliable, but you might encounter a few common problems. Knowing how to fix them will save you frustration.

Don’t worry if you run into a snag. Most problems are easy to solve with a little knowledge. Let’s go over some common issues and their solutions.

False Signals and Chattering

Sometimes, your detector might make noise even when there’s no target. This is called chattering or false signals. It can be caused by mineralized ground, electrical interference, or even waves hitting the coil.

If you hear chattering, try adjusting the sensitivity down slightly. If it’s very wet and choppy, sometimes moving to a slightly drier or calmer spot helps.

Detector Not Responding

If your Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector suddenly stops responding, check the batteries. Low batteries are the most common reason for a detector to stop working.

Ensure the coil cable is securely attached to the control box. A loose connection can prevent the detector from working properly.

Difficulty Ground Balancing

If you struggle to get a stable ground balance, ensure you are away from metal objects. Also, make sure you are in the type of ground you intend to detect (e.g., wet sand).

Perform the ground balance procedure slowly and steadily. If the conditions are very unstable, you may need to re-balance more often.

Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II vs. Other Beach Detectors

When choosing a metal detector for the beach, you have options. The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is a popular choice, but it’s good to know how it compares to others. Understanding its strengths helps you decide if it’s right for you.

Other detectors might use different technologies or have different features. Let’s see how the Sea Hunter Mark II stacks up.

PI vs. VLF for Beach Hunting

As we discussed, the Sea Hunter Mark II uses Pulse Induction (PI). PI detectors are generally better in saltwater and wet sand because they ignore ground mineralization. They are very sensitive and can detect targets deep down.

Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors are common for general use. They can offer target ID numbers, which help identify targets before digging. However, VLF detectors can struggle with the salt and minerals on the beach, leading to false signals.

Comparing with Other PI Detectors

There are other PI detectors on the market. Some might be more expensive or have advanced features. However, the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II offers a great balance of performance, durability, and price.

It’s a proven performer that has been used by beach hunters for years. Its robust build and ease of use make it a strong contender.

What Makes the Sea Hunter Mark II Stand Out?

The Sea Hunter Mark II’s key advantage is its full submersion capability and excellent performance in saltwater. It’s designed specifically for this challenging environment. Its user-friendly interface also makes it accessible for beginners.

For someone serious about beach hunting, especially in saltwater or shallow water, the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is a top choice.

Where to Hunt for Beach Treasures

The beach is a vast place, and knowing where to search can significantly increase your chances of finding valuable items. Certain areas on the beach tend to yield more finds than others. Location is often key to success.

Think like a treasure hunter. Where would people most likely lose things? Where do the tides and waves bring items?

High-Traffic Areas

Areas where people spend the most time are usually the best places to start. This includes spots near public access points, picnic areas, and where people spread their towels. These places have a higher chance of dropped items.

Also, look around playgrounds or volleyball courts. Children and active adults are more likely to drop coins or small items.

The Water’s Edge and Low Tide Lines

The area where the waves meet the sand is often very productive. This is where items lost in the water can get buried or uncovered. The tide line, especially after a storm, can reveal items that have been hidden for a long time.

Searching at low tide gives you more exposed beach to work with. It also allows you to search areas that are usually underwater.

Near Piers, Jetties, and Groins

These structures are popular fishing spots and gathering places. People often lose items while fishing or walking on them. The currents around these structures can also concentrate washed-up items.

Be mindful of any regulations regarding metal detecting near piers or other structures. Always respect private property and posted rules.

Maintaining Your Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II

Taking care of your Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector will ensure it lasts for many years. Proper maintenance is simple but important, especially after using it in saltwater. Saltwater can be corrosive if not rinsed off.

A little bit of care after each detecting session goes a long way. Let’s look at how to keep your detector in top shape.

Cleaning After Each Use

The most important step is to rinse your detector thoroughly with fresh water after every use, especially if you’ve been in saltwater. Pay attention to the coil, control box, and any moving parts.

Use a soft cloth to wipe down the detector. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the plastic.

Battery Care

Ensure you remove the batteries if you plan to store the detector for an extended period. This prevents any potential battery leakage that could damage the battery compartment.

Always use fresh, good-quality batteries for optimal performance.

Storage

Store your detector in a cool, dry place. Protect it from extreme temperatures. A protective cover or the original box can help keep it safe when not in use.

Proper storage prevents dust and moisture from affecting the internal components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of targets can I expect to find with the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II?

You can find coins, rings, jewelry, and other small metal objects on the beach. It’s also good for finding relics in shallow water.

Is the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II easy to use for beginners?

Yes, it is quite user-friendly. Its simple controls and robust design make it a good choice for those new to metal detecting.

Do I need to buy a separate coil for the Sea Hunter Mark II?

Typically, the detector comes with a coil suitable for beach hunting. For most users, the standard coil is sufficient.

How deep can the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II detect?

It is submersible up to 200 feet, meaning you can detect in shallow water and even while diving. Its detection depth for targets depends on target size and ground conditions.

What is the main advantage of PI technology for beach hunting?

Pulse Induction (PI) technology is excellent for saltwater and wet sand because it ignores ground mineralization, which often causes false signals for other types of detectors.

Can I use the Sea Hunter Mark II in freshwater lakes?

Yes, the Sea Hunter Mark II can also be used effectively in freshwater environments. Its robust design and PI technology work well in various water conditions.

Conclusion

The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves searching for treasures by the sea. Its ability to work in saltwater and even underwater makes it perfect for beaches. You can find coins, jewelry, and other exciting items with this reliable detector.

With its Pulse Induction technology and simple controls, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced detectorists. Remember to use good techniques, bring the right accessories, and take care of your gear. Happy hunting, and may your beach finds be plentiful!