mike_s
Contributor
chickdiver:I would recommend Mike Barnette's Shipwrecks of the Sunshine State over the DeLoach book. DeLoach's book has been updated very little over the years, and has minial information on dive sites available. It also has numerous inaccuracies.
I've got both books and like both of them, but Barnettes book lack's a lot of the wrecks and dive sites in the state. His book only has shipwrecks it seems that were sunk long ago and not many of the ones sunk as reefs. For example, in Panama City area I think the only wreck he's got in it is the Empire Mica and few others. (I don't have it handy to verify this right now). It lacks all the other dive sites in Panama City area. His book seemed to be more of a historical reference instead of a diving reference. With that said, I don't think he intended it to be a "dive guide" either. It's still a good book to get, just depends on your purpose.
While DeLoachs book might have some inaccuracies, it's got more wrecks listed and is a better place to start from. After you look through it and find a wreck you might be insterested in, you can of course do further research in Barnetts book (which may or might not contain the wreck), or on the web.
BTW.. I think Mike Barnett's on this board if you want to buy his book. I don't think it's widely published and in all the book stores. You just PAYPAL him and he mails it to you.
Ned DeLoaches book you can get off Amazon.com or any other online bookstore.
scousegentleman:I'm going down to Key Largo in March, what wrecks would you recommend down there?
Since you're a new diver, the Spiegal Grove can be a little tricky with the strong currents there and the top of the wreck is at about 65 feet. The Duane is a little deep for a new diver.
The wrecks I would suggest to start with in Key Largo is the Benwood and the City of Washington.
The Benwood is a great wreck to start with. It's average maybe 40 to 45 feet deep and has a great amount of coral growth on it. Lots of holes corroded in the deck for fish to hide in. Very low current on the site. It's a favorite for both new and experienced divers.
City of Washinton
http://www.divespots.com/scuba/view.divespot?spotID=303
Bennwood
http://www.divespots.com/scuba/spotID-76/view.divespot