Cold water clothing, dry suit, floatation?

[actions]

Originally Posted by 250kts

When the family comes out in the Winter on the cold but clear days, they wear their ski suits (as in snow) and thermal layers underneath. They are very warm, splash proof and did not need to buy additional gear. Whilst I know they dont have the floatation attributes, the weather and the actions of the helm, should mean the chances of going in are minimal. Plus lots of people on board to recover them from the water quickly.

If and when I go out on my own, I wear a dry suit with wooly bear underneath.
Steve

Thanks Steve,

I think i'm going to go with the floatation suit. Its probably best option given that she wont be out everyday, doenst plan on coming out in much chop and wont even dip the big toe in the water when boarding. Just will have to make sure i keep in the boat and dont do any sharp turns........

[wavelength]

Couple of links might help plus they often have clearance lines or sizes at a better price if you ask

http://www.gerrysfishing.com/waterpr...87-371-633.php

http://www.gerrysfishing.com/flotati...1-417-1096.php

we have a number of various makes of floatation suits for clients in winter as their own gear is rarely up to mid winter boating.Warm and more comfortable than a dry suit perhaps but a bit non breathable, even those that claim to be so. Breathable fabric perhaps but as soon as they put a slab of foam in there it tends to negate this a bit.
The best suit we ever had was a mullion gold supplied for a magazine test. Tested it in the water at sea and it was very good, but also kept you dry in rain unlike the sunridge ones we had after the mullion was nicked from the garage

[m chappelow]

Originally Posted by wavelength

The best suit we ever had was a mullion gold supplied for a magazine test. Tested it in the water at sea and it was very good, but also kept you dry in rain unlike the sunridge ones we had after the mullion was nicked from the garage

I remember that feature well ,it was around about the time floatation suits were just coming on to the general leisure market , Boat fisherman magazine about 1990 ish ,i might still have a copy , That magazine was problely the best small boat mag that has ever been published pity it only ran for a few years ,but like everything else thats good it all comes to an end ,used to look forward to your no nonsense down to earth features each month

[wavelength]

oooh! ta can't find the embarressed smilie

[Poly]

Originally Posted by 250kts

When the family comes out in the Winter on the cold but clear days, they wear their ski suits (as in snow) and thermal layers underneath.

I did that once - and whilst its probably fine on your giant parker it's not great if you are likely to get bucket loads of water over you - as my experience suggests they are not as waterproof as you might expect and get very heavy once soaked.

[actions]

Originally Posted by wavelength

Couple of links might help plus they often have clearance lines or sizes at a better price if you ask

http://www.gerrysfishing.com/waterpr...87-371-633.php

http://www.gerrysfishing.com/flotati...1-417-1096.php

Thanks for the links, it gives me a bit more choice. Thanks, Matt.

[Pikey Dave]

Having just gone through the exact same process, & looked at what was available I've found that:-
a, the Fladen gear is very good value for money
b, the sundridge & other suits aimed at beach fishermen are cheap & cheerful but watch the quality.
c, drysuits do a good job, but can be expensive, sweaty & not as easy to get on & off, especially for a laydee.
d, Mullion is top quality & aimed more at the commercial end of the market, they do an "aqua float" range that is similar in price (sub £100) to the Fladens, but I found them a bit stiff & "cardboardy" The aforementioned 1MG9 suit, I found to be excellent for comfort, quality & functionality, but it's at the upper end of the price range. £200 quid'ish, but still represents good value compared to a drysuit.

[SeaSkills]

We've been trialling these suits http://translate.google.co.uk/transl...elements.no%2F.

Excellent. Need appropriate layers underneath, but loads of well thought out features and worth a look