Also be aware that most manufacturers rate the size of their dredges based on the diameter of the hose, while often the regulations in various states are based on the size of the suction nozzle.

This will help reduce the rocks and other materials from getting jammed up in the suction hose.

The diameter of the suction hose is what is used to rate the size of the dredge, but the tip should actually be slightly smaller. The gravel works through the sluice box, discharging lighter materials out the back of the sluice, while retaining the heavier concentrates.ĭredges come in many different sizes. A pump is attached to the unit, creating suction in a hose which bring material up from the streambed and into the sluice.

They essentially work as an underwater vacuum cleaner, sucking up gravels from the streambed and moving them through a sluice box mounted between two pontoons floating on the surface of the water.

Not to be confused with the bucket line dredges of the old days, suction dredges offer the modern day gold prospector the ability to process a lot of material very quickly. One of the best tools that a modern day prospector can use to find gold today is the suction dredge.

Gold dredge suction nozzle