So I'm suuuuuuper excited that the used Sand Shark I ordered from the states arrived today!! 
From payment to delivery it was 10 days! And it was supposed to arrive on the 19th according to the shipment tracker! It cleared customs really fast, apparently.
Anyhow, it was extremely well wrapped for shipping and looks to me like it's in great condition (they even shipped it with batteries so I was able to check that it does indeed turn on), but I want to make sure y'all experienced Sand Shark owners don't see any problems with it before I take it out.
And I have another question: the O-ring is in there reeeeally snugly. Just wanted to make sure--is it OK to carefully pry it out in order to clean and lubricate it? It looks pretty clean already, of course, but I want to make sure and prep it correctly before I take the machine near any water.
Also a little bummed-- I've got the next couple days off of work but we've been having this never-ending string of epic thunderstorms that are theoretically going to carry on through next week!
I'm all about detecting in the rain (it was so annoying to have to run for cover with the TK4 at every passing shower) but not too interested in taking chances with lightning. And the tides are heading toward the crappy end of the cycle. Still, once I get the Shark ready to go I'll be keeping an eye out for my chance! It'll be so nice not to have to wait for ultra-low tides! 
So here are photos of the SS, close up on those connection points. I forgot to get a shot of the inside of the box, but I did open it up and it looks pristine. Definitely let me know if you see anything that I should worry about!
From payment to delivery it was 10 days! And it was supposed to arrive on the 19th according to the shipment tracker! It cleared customs really fast, apparently. Anyhow, it was extremely well wrapped for shipping and looks to me like it's in great condition (they even shipped it with batteries so I was able to check that it does indeed turn on), but I want to make sure y'all experienced Sand Shark owners don't see any problems with it before I take it out.
And I have another question: the O-ring is in there reeeeally snugly. Just wanted to make sure--is it OK to carefully pry it out in order to clean and lubricate it? It looks pretty clean already, of course, but I want to make sure and prep it correctly before I take the machine near any water.
Also a little bummed-- I've got the next couple days off of work but we've been having this never-ending string of epic thunderstorms that are theoretically going to carry on through next week!
I'm all about detecting in the rain (it was so annoying to have to run for cover with the TK4 at every passing shower) but not too interested in taking chances with lightning. And the tides are heading toward the crappy end of the cycle. Still, once I get the Shark ready to go I'll be keeping an eye out for my chance! It'll be so nice not to have to wait for ultra-low tides! So here are photos of the SS, close up on those connection points. I forgot to get a shot of the inside of the box, but I did open it up and it looks pristine. Definitely let me know if you see anything that I should worry about!
for the 1st of many golds you will be getting with it.
