Ship of Gold (in the Deep Blue Sea)
Author: Kinder

It's rare I read non-fiction, but this one is worth it. Even boating-related.

It's about a ship that sinks during the California Gold Rush. Lots of good historical intro stuff about California and shipping/ocean passages in those days.

Then it comes into the 1980's and one man's efforts to salvage it in 9000 ft of water, along with its cargo of california gold. Good stuff