from a newbie what to wear now its getting cold

[jonbmx900]

as title what do people recommend to wear now its getting colder as i would still like to get out on my rib for a bit so i would be greatfull for input on what other people wear

with thanks jon

[Biggles]

Drysuit minimum.

Gloves. Still haven't found the perfect pair yet !

Warm clothes underneath.

And when it gets colder come December a balaclava or helmet.

The drysuit is an absolute must. It can be shockingly freezing to get splashed, never mind fall in, come the fall. And anyone without one will soon be wanting to go back to the car to get warm and dry. Therefore spoiling what can be a good day out, when the seas are quieter and mooring stops being a problem in the more popular harbours.

Try and get a drysuit with a proper pair of boots. The socks just don't seem to be worth it.

Nick.

[jonbmx900]

thanks for the reply can you suggest makes and anywhere in nthe portsmouth area to get a dry suit and boots as i dont want to buy the wrong equipment

jon

[Nasher]

Biggles is of course right

You and your passengers need to be comfortable, and the only way you'll do that is with a Drysuit.


A helmet also keeps the cold wind and spray off your face and out of your eyes.

Gloves - Don't use them myself, but ought to.

Some of the best days out I've had in the Solent have been between November and February

Nasher.

[Nos4r2]

What size are you? I may have one here. It'll need a bit of re-sealing but it won't be a long job and it's usable as-is to keep you warm.

[jonbmx900]

im about 5'8 and medium build i would say and thank you

[Nos4r2]

Unfortunately I think it may be a bit short for you-the biggest one I've got left is about 5'6" max.

[jonbmx900]

ok thanks just my luck

[codprawn]

As a budget option you may want to consider a fishing type floatation suit. Usually available for around the £50 -£70 mark.

[Biggles]

Drysuits with boots are not cheap. Look at £300 new minimum.

Without boots about £175. But I have one and it hasn't lasted too well.

I personally can recomend Ravenspring for the booted suit. And would say have a look around for Typhoon for a cheap sock suit.

If you want to go cheap but not be ready for falling in, I can recomend a neoprene set of waders and a waterproof jacket which will cost about £100 all in. But if you fall in you won't last long.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Biggles

If you want to go cheap but not be ready for falling in, I can recomend a neoprene set of waders and a waterproof jacket which will cost about £100 all in. But if you fall in you won't last long.

With waders if you fall in you won't be able to get out either when they fill with water

There's a couple of REALLY cheap alternatives if you don't mind looking a bit of a pillock-
these look a bit silly but do work really well, and even cheaper is
these
which last maybe 3 uses if you put footwear on the outside. I've used both before and they work but you do look a bit like a traffic cone in the orange one! I carry one of the orange ones in my console as emergency waterproofs.

[stepheneyre]

hi interest let me know thanks
stephen

i have a NORTHERN DIVER DRY SUIT neoprean was used by my son for diving
but he has out grown it now dont know the age as i got it s/hand so not asking a lot only £95.00
size 5,6"ish approx 18 wide at the body,54"from boot to bottom on neck line with built in boots
including direct feed hose(only used for diving)gloves, hood ,under suit and carry bag
more info please e mail

[jonbmx900]

thanks for the help offers and info i will have a look about

jon

[Tony]

Why do you guys all use dry suits?
Surely a good offshore jacket and matching legs do the job..and way more comfy.
Tony

[Andy Moore]

I can thoroughly recommend the two-piece Musto thermals:

http://www.musto.co.uk/productdetail...productId=1529

They are comfortable to wear under, say, jeans etc so provided its not wet, you stay warm.

£30.00 for both I think.

[stepheneyre]

hi
if you fall in the water
only a dry suit will keep all the water out and in winter you dont want to get wet, on a rib you always get spray etc so you need a good dry suit, the other protective gear is more suited to larger boats

i would not go out to sea with out a dry suit on

thanks
stephen

[Andy Moore]

Originally Posted by stepheneyre

i would not go out to sea with out a dry suit on

Dry suits are a bit OTT for many trips, in my opinion.

[Tony]

I bought a pair of O'Neil Denim ski pants. They look like jeans but are water resistant and thermal lined. Great for winter usage.
Tony
(I don't think i would wear a dry suit...)

[Lostboy]

Gul thermal base layer (long sleeve and shorts)

Gul fleece mid layer (long sleeve and long johns)

Gul Code Zero smock and salopettes

Dubarry Ultima boots

Ancient skiing gloves (20 years old, bought in Andorra)

Any hat as long as it's tight fitting and I can get the hood from the Code Zero over the top.

I race yachts all winter and use the rib a lot and get covered in the briney stuff all the time. My comfort changed four years ago when I discovered smock tops, all the major manufacturers do the (Musto, Gill, HL, Gul etc) and with the neoprene neck, cuff and waist seals they really are dry. I can only speak from personal experience of the Gul Auckland and Gul Code Zero which are fantastic.

With the right base and mid layers it's easy to stay warm and dry (the products are breathable).

Drysuits must be good if you plan on going out in extreme conditions and if you think there's a real chance of going in but how likely is it?

(I'm surprised J Fuller hasn't been on here to tell us to "get more freeboard if you're worried about going over the side, I only wear a T-shirt and shorts even in February............")

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by codprawn

As a budget option you may want to consider a fishing type floatation suit. Usually available for around the £50 -£70 mark.

i kinda agree. Mullion is it?. How wet is the boat