Wet weather gear

[Siochair]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I use a pair of waterski gloves, which work very well.

Has anyone tried heated gloves? I had a look at some from this site:- http://www.blazewear.com/index.php?c...807206bd7d9aca
but I wonder just how effective they would be.

[GJ0KYZ]

I've had stuff from all the posh brands over the years, especially when I had a yacht. Most of the gear was Gortex or a derivative thereof. It was all shite and let water in sooner or later. Now, I just use a cheap pair of yellow oilers (see towards the end of my latest video for catwalk demo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ur54Yd85zY

). Laugh if you must; I keep bone dry and warm whatever the weather. I also wrap a towel around my neck (though not as tightly as my wife would like) as this keeps the spray from trickling down inside the jacket. Come to think of it, I seem to remember finding this outfit in a skip...

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

(always hated the thought of going in with wellies on)

I know just what you mean - sink quicker than your anchor. Not sure exactly what would happen, but I can't help feel you'd be at a disadvantage.

I bought an XM Offshore suit. Very impressed - only drawback is having to practically strip to take a leak. Major design flaw there! Wear wetsuit boots for footwear, Northface neckwarmer, etc.

[Nos4r2]

Seasafe lifejacket coat+ Macsalvors cheapy waterproof trousers or a drysuit,hard soled neoprene wet boots,wraparounds and a neoprene facemask if it's really cold.

I bought Sixy one of the heated waistcoats from Maplins to wear under her drysuit, but she's not tried it out yet.

[Hightower]

I reckon there are two angles to look when deciding to kit out your waterproof winter clothing.

First of all, if you launch from a slipway you might like to go the one piece dry suit Route. Go for any leading brand and go for the front opening option. Boots are preferable to socks but cost more.

The second option is a single or two piece suit (you get wet feet when launching). You can get these from loads of different manufacturers, but IMHO the best value ones can be bought down your local angling/tackle shop. For really cold weather go for the thermal flotation suits. Fladen is a good name, mine is made by "Sundridge" EN-Tec 2. The price was pretty good at about £60 for the set.

As for gloves the sealskinz are excellent and come well recommended.

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Hightower

The second option is a single or two piece suit (you get wet feet when launching).

Not necessarily - if I got it right with the old boat, I could launch with a pair of shoes on and not get wet feet

I've never ever worn more than a pair of wellies launching. I bought a set of waders when I got the boat and have never used them.

Back to square one with the technique now though - different trailer

[SeaSkills]

Originally Posted by spartacus

I know just what you mean - sink quicker than your anchor. Not sure exactly what would happen, but I can't help feel you'd be at a disadvantage.

Why?

Most wellies float - therefore they add buoyancy. Water inside wellies doesn't weigh any more than water in the sea, so it can't make you sink. Wellies also provide some measure of insulation, preventing heat loss in the water.

All in all, a positive contribution to your wellbeing if you end up immersed.

However, they do present a problem when it's time to get back out because of the extra weight of water trapped in the wellies once you lift them above the surface.

Easy solution though - take them off while you climb out of the oggin

[Poly]

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

Why?

Most wellies float - therefore they add buoyancy. Water inside wellies doesn't weigh any more than water in the sea, so it can't make you sink. Wellies also provide some measure of insulation, preventing heat loss in the water.

All in all, a positive contribution to your wellbeing if you end up immersed.

However, they do present a problem when it's time to get back out because of the extra weight of water trapped in the wellies once you lift them above the surface.

Easy solution though - take them off while you climb out of the oggin

I can confirm that my experience is that wellies don't make you feel like you have an anchor round your feet - but do make it quite a bit harder to "swim" and significantly harder to pull yourself back out - but are probably easier to slip off than any other footwear.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I use a pair of waterski gloves, which work very well.

I wear Gill helman's gloves work okay for me
J

[dougcrock]

i got myself and 3 crew members these ankle boots from musto (2006)they have been great feet never get wet
good support and grip and protection for toes
musto have discontinued them

if anyone sees them for sale please let me know

[SeaSkills]

These are pretty good

http://www.dui-online.com/acc_rb.htm

Ian

[Ian M]

I use musto jacket and over trousers, which are OK, but no more. If I know that I am going in then it is an O3 compressed neoprene drysuit
I have tried all sorts of gloves at the helm, none really great until I tried these, and haven't looked back. http://azurewear.co.uk/product_info....roducts_id=135

[bingomike]

Fantastic feedback after only couple of days - answers from cheap to new mortgage required - although found Musto stuff cheap at the Musto outlet shop, going back for better look later.

Going down the route of a cheap all in one suit and two expensive 2 piece suit for other occasions.

Thanks for ideas and suggestions.

Mike

[treerat]

Originally Posted by bingomike

Fantastic feedback after only couple of days - answers from cheap to new mortgage required - although found Musto stuff cheap at the Musto outlet shop, going back for better look later.

Going down the route of a cheap all in one suit and two expensive 2 piece suit for other occasions.

Thanks for ideas and suggestions.

Mike

I use a suit from these guys http://www.polarbearsq.com/rec-front.asp?CatID=78 or shorts and tee shirt.

I hate being soggy more than being totally wet, I then just change the undersuit to match the weather.