Garrett Sea Hunter Underwater Guide

You’ll operate the Sea Hunter Mark II using 750-pulse-per-second circuitry that automatically cancels saltwater interference down to 200 feet. Set your audio threshold just above silent, adjust the Eliminator Control from 0 (all metals) to 6 (rejects bottlecaps), and sweep systematically at controlled speeds. The detector weighs 6 lbs with near-neutral buoyancy, runs on eight AA batteries, and requires post-dive rinsing plus o-ring lubrication to maintain waterproof integrity. Below you’ll find detailed configurations for maximizing detection across different underwater environments.

Table of Contents hide

1 Key Takeaways

2 Technical Specifications and Core Features

3 Search Coil Configurations and Operating Modes

4 Control Panel Functions and Adjustments

5 Optimal Detection Settings for Different Environments

6 Maintenance and Care for Underwater Use

7 Frequently Asked Questions

7.1 What Is the Typical Battery Life During Continuous Underwater Operation?

7.2 Can Replacement Search Coils Be Purchased Separately for Different Hunting Conditions?

7.3 Is the Sea Hunter Suitable for Beginners With No Detecting Experience?

7.4 What Depth Range Provides the Best Target Detection Accuracy?

7.5 Does Saltwater Exposure Require Special Cleaning Procedures After Each Use?

8 References

Key Takeaways

Operates effectively to 200 ft depth with near-neutral buoyancy; uses pulse induction at 750 pulses/sec with automatic salt cancellation.
Set discrimination to zero in wet sand and surf; adjust threshold barely audible for optimal saltwater sensitivity.

Standard mode detects deeper targets at 110 pulses/sec; Trash Elimination mode suppresses unwanted signals in contaminated areas.
Rinse thoroughly post-dive, apply silicone grease to o-rings, and remove batteries after use to prevent corrosion.
Four stem configurations adjust 28″-52″; Audio Control and Tuning Control stabilize signals during underwater operation.

Technical Specifications and Core Features

The Sea Hunter’s pulse induction circuitry operates at 750 pulses per second across 22 frequencies, delivering automatic salt and ground mineralization cancellation through microprocessor-based signal processing.

Advanced pulse induction technology at 750 pulses per second automatically eliminates interference from saltwater and mineral deposits for precise underwater target detection.

This PI technology enables full-range discrimination, letting you identify targets before recovery while preserving underwater ecosystems.

The control housing’s material composition achieves near-neutral buoyancy at 31 oz, allowing effortless maneuvering along sea or lake beds down to 200 feet.

You’ll configure four stem arrangements between 28″ and 52″, adapting to your specific diving conditions.

The detector excels in surf hunting applications, where conventional VLF machines struggle with saltwater interference and dynamic beach conditions.

Power management relies on eight independently-sealed AA batteries, drawing 100 mA during standard operation and 160 mA when detecting large objects.

This efficient system supports extended detection sessions, giving you freedom to explore remote underwater sites without frequent battery changes interrupting your search.

The unit weighs 6 lbs total, making it manageable for extended detection sessions both on land and during underwater operations.

Search Coil Configurations and Operating Modes

Your operating modes directly impact target acquisition. Standard mode maximizes detection range in low-trash zones, where pulse induction technology delivers 110 pulses per second. You’ll hear faint signals from deep targets and loud responses from shallow objects.

Discrete Trash Elimination mode requires coil motion and enhances discrimination capabilities—sweep side-to-side with overlapping passes, adjusting rejection levels until unwanted signals disappear. For operations in highly mineralized areas, consider specialized mono search coils that ensure smooth operation in tough ground conditions. Before beginning your scan, adjust audio threshold to a barely audible level to ensure optimal detection sensitivity. This systematic approach guarantees you won’t miss valuable targets in complex underwater environments.

Control Panel Functions and Adjustments

Mastering your detector’s controls transforms operational theory into practical target recovery. User ergonomics demand you’ll position the Audio Control just above threshold—where sound barely registers through headphones, allowing effortless signal interpretation without fatigue.

The Detection Depth selector (XL500/XS500 models) enables control calibration from shallow recent losses to deep historical artifacts while simultaneously displaying battery status.

Your Eliminator Control operates on a 0-6 scale: zero detects all metals, three rejects foil and iron rust, six eliminates bottlecaps and small nails—though higher settings risk missing valuable targets.

The Power Switch initiates operation and mode selection, delivering one-to-four beeps confirming battery strength.

Finally, the Tuning Control stabilizes signal response underwater, completing your three-knob VLF configuration for autonomous exploration and efficient resource recovery.

Optimal Detection Settings for Different Environments

When environmental conditions shift beneath the waterline, systematic adjustment of your Sea Hunter’s three primary controls guarantees maximum target recovery across varied substrate compositions.

In wet sand and surf zones, you’ll set discrimination to zero with threshold barely audible—full sensitivity remains stable due to superior saltwater sensitivity engineering.

For dry sand operations, discrimination at six eliminates bottle caps while preserving fine gold detection capability.

Underwater conductivity variations don’t require ground balance adjustments; simply reduce sensitivity one to four notches if signal overload occurs.

The Mark II’s Discrete Trash Elimination mode operates exclusively with moving coils, sacrificing depth (limited to 6-7 inches) for reduced background interference in contaminated zones.

Test sweep methodology—pass coil over known trash, then adjust elimination until minimal audio increase—ensures you’re not filtering valuable targets from your detection window. Maintain a controlled sweep speed to avoid missing targets, as rushing the coil movement compromises detection accuracy even with optimal settings.

Maintenance and Care for Underwater Use

Proper post-dive protocols extend your Sea Hunter’s operational lifespan and prevent the progressive seal degradation that saltwater immersion accelerates. Immediately flush sand, salt, and residue from your detector after each dive—corrosion prevention requires consistent action, not delayed maintenance.

Apply silicone grease to searchcoil connector and battery cap o-rings before reassembly, avoiding contamination of connector pins. Remove batteries after use to prevent seal degradation from prolonged contact and potential corrosion. Battery longevity depends on systematic charging practices: maintain NiCad cells at full capacity between dives and vary recharge intervals to prevent memory effect formation.

The startup test delivers four beeps when fully charged; one beep demands immediate replacement. Two beeps indicate adequate battery health, signaling functional capacity but recommending near-term replacement planning.

Store your detector in temperature-controlled environments—excessive heat accelerates seal failure and electronic degradation.

Never submerge without the searchcoil properly attached and connector secured. You’re operating sophisticated underwater electronics that demand disciplined care protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Battery Life During Continuous Underwater Operation?

You’ll get 18-22 hours of continuous underwater operation with fresh alkaline batteries. Battery longevity depends on your detection activity and power management practices. Real-world testing confirms 18-20 hours with quality batteries, giving you extended search freedom.

Can Replacement Search Coils Be Purchased Separately for Different Hunting Conditions?

Yes, you’ll find replacement search coils available separately with various accessory options. The 10″ x 14″ elliptical coil offers enhanced coverage for deep-sea hunting, though coil compatibility remains exclusively limited to your Sea Hunter Mark II model.

Is the Sea Hunter Suitable for Beginners With No Detecting Experience?

You’ll face a moderate learning curve since pulse induction operates at 750 pulses per second with no frequency adjustments. However, beginners’ challenges include mastering discrimination trade-offs—higher settings reduce depth on small targets, potentially missing thin jewelry.

What Depth Range Provides the Best Target Detection Accuracy?

You’ll achieve ideal target detection accuracy at 8-12 inches depth, where the Sea Hunter’s pulse induction circuitry delivers consistent signals. Beyond 15 inches, depth accuracy decreases considerably, requiring slower sweeps and experienced interpretation skills.

Does Saltwater Exposure Require Special Cleaning Procedures After Each Use?

Yes, you’ll need immediate freshwater cleaning after every saltwater hunt. Salt residue accelerates corrosion exponentially—rinsing your entire detector thoroughly removes destructive minerals, protects seals, and preserves your equipment’s freedom to perform reliably for years.