Oran,
I think that we are closer than ever before in a stable waterproof Detector for nugget hunting. Detectors like the Minelab Equinox 800, Garrett AT Gold and a couple of others are performing exceptionally well and have a sub $1000.00 price point. Detectors like the XP-ORX Although the control pad is not waterproof, XP's removable pad is a great option as well. All these detectors are capable machines.
I hope this helps.

Thank you for your expert advice, Mr. Hoagland -- Sorry, I mean Kevin. :)

The problems I see with these detectors is a depth scan on only 12 inches and a width scan of slightly more than the coil width (typically under 12 inches). Of course, width scan is considered unimportant due to the recommended lateral sweeping performed manually.

Being a lazy mammal, I fantasize about attaching a detector to a fixed position on the back of a boat & gentlly floating down stream letting the current do the sweeping. Down anchor on a hit & life is good.

Current detectors seem to come up short in that regard, even the PI units.

However, the new emerging technology of Ground Penetrating Radar offers hope ... at a considerable price. The Detech SSP 5100 comes with a 1 meter X 1 meter coil! It can detect to a depth of 4 meters. All for the princely sum of $2,000.

What are your thoughts on this emerging technology?