hand held fan

[rfwoodvt]

Doing some underwater metal detecting and detecting and have being using my hand to fan the silt away from the target.

Would like to find something more efficient to use.

Any suggestions

 

[rhwestfall]

a fin, a swimmer's hand paddle, ....

lots of options...

 

[loosenit2]

Small dpv?

 

[lowwall]

A slate?

 

[rfwoodvt]

LOL, lots of great ideas...perhaps I should be a little more specific in my question, though...

Any of you folks currently using something other than your hand to fan the silt away while metal detecting, and if so what is it, why do you like it and what have you tried that is not much better than your hand?

 

[rhwestfall]

I believe we all have given you real solutions...

 

[kelemvor]

LOL, lots of great ideas...perhaps I should be a little more specific in my question, though...

Any of you folks currently using something other than your hand to fan the silt away while metal detecting, and if so what is it, why do you like it and what have you tried that is not much better than your hand?

You could put a submerisble pump on your belt with some flexible hose. You'd need to cut the hose and wire it into a cannister or other battery. The pump is expecting 5v so you may need to put a buck converter in the can - although you could probably get away with running those things at 12v since it'll be plenty cool in the ocean.

example pump: https://smile.amazon.com/Driew-3-5-9V-Submersible-Brushless-Waterproof/dp/B01CG2YE6K $10
example tubing: https://smile.amazon.com/Duda-Energy-LPpvc050-010ft-Pressure-Resistant/dp/B00LX6M2JW $11

Can light examples (I'd pay no more than $100, preferably $25-50 as you don't need a functional light, just parts):
For Sale - Dive Rite MLS Canister Light adjustable halogen light head
For Sale - Lights, DR, Green Force, HID
For Sale - BigBlue Canister Battery

Alternatively you could roll your own battery can with some thick PVC or galvanized steel pipe and endcaps . Drill holes, add strain relief, and seal well with silicone or simmilar goo. Add hose clamps and boltsnaps.

This pump probably doesn't move enough water, but it would be a good inexpensive test. You could always upgrade to a bigger submersible pump with integrated motor.

For battery canister, get an old HID can light and remove the light head. Run the wire from the pump into the can directly or into the end of the can light's cable. Seal the wiring liberally with silicone or some other rubber. I got an OMS HID can light used for next to nothing Badaboom, badabing.

Outside of that, @loosenit2 has a good suggestion. Get one of those pool-toy dpv's like a yamadog for $300 https://smile.amazon.com/Yamaha-Seascooter-Recreational-Underwater-Scooter/dp/B075FBWQJ1 You'll probably need to use a reef hook or similar device to anchor yourself if you're using a scooter for this purpose. I have a nice little corkscrew meant for anchoring dogs to a fixed point in a park or yard. https://smile.amazon.com/Dog-Stake-And-Leashes-Collection/dp/B01H2I1E0M/ I use mine for tethering autonomous UAV's under initial testing since it would be a shame (and a crime) to have a $2000 uav fly off into the sunset due to a programming error.

 

[happy-diver]

Would be hilarious if it wasn't serious

Hows about a bcd hose and a blower

 

[WeRtheOcean]

What's wrong with using your hand? Nora Svet does, in her YouTube videos.

 

[Ghost95]

Ever seen the movie "The Deep"? Ping Pong paddles is what they used.