Foul Weather - Recommendation?

[David in Sandusky]

West Marine Gear

We are happy with the foul weather gear we got at West Marine. While we have worn it through some nasty days, and stormy weather without getting wet, I agree that small leaks around the neck, or wicking would make it hard to stay on deck 24 hours a day without getting damp inside. In that case I would think two sets, with one drying out in a locker below would be the best bet.

Here is my Boat Babe, the Admiral, staying warm in her set during the last sail of the year (mid-October), reaching from Put-in-Bay to Marblehead.

 

[Ross]

Maine sail if you could afford only one set of foulies what would you choose? Or to put it another way, if you could only take one set on a voyage what would it be?

 

[Maine Sail]

Maine sail if you could afford only one set of foulies what would you choose? Or to put it another way, if you could only take one set on a voyage what would it be?

Depends where. In warmer areas I'd take alpine gear. In colder climes I'd take my dedicated sailing stuff. For both areas I would take layers..

 

[Ross]

Thanks. Colder weather starts at about 40 degrees F. ? At least for me.

 

[newly anonymous]

don't go by brand name...

...go by fit instead.

The best foulies in the world won't do much for you if they don't fit right. It's wrong to assume that Brand A makes a set of bibs in your size, Brand B will fit just as well. There is a lot less standardization in foul weather gear than there is in something like blue jeans.

For my part, I wear through a set of bibs every two or three years, while a jacket will last twice as long. For this reason I no longer try to buy sets. My bibs have to be breathable, and they have to fit perfectly because I'm wearing them 20-30 hours a month. I can do with a cheaper top because I always have several tops on the boat, used for different weather conditions. This is especially true for those of us who sail year round in latitudes higher than 36 degrees.

I'm a firm believer in having at least two sets of foulies. Nothing worse, when the dog watch approaches, than having to don the wet foulies you took off four hours ago.

 

[Buck420]

Best Foul Weather Gear

I, too have been offshore (and in the Bay) in nasty weather and spray which, regardless of how good the foul weather bibs, tops, etc. are ,you still get wet, cold and uncomfortable.
Therefore, IMHO, I vote for a good full enclosure.
Really, ... if you're going to spend the money for multiple sets of foul weather clothing, why not spend that same money on a few more (side and stern) enclosure panals & be SO much more comfortable and dry ?
We're not talking about racing,now, we're talking about crusing comfortably.
Staying dry and (relatively) warm reduces fatigue, and makes each crew members watch standing easier.
I did a Carribbbean 1500 some years ago on a Mason 44. Great, seaworthy boat, but only had a dogger. Cruising in an open cockpit boat on the open (Atlantic) ocean in Nov. for 11 days was often not much fun.
Sorta like sitting in the back of a pickup truck, 24/7, driving across the country at 7 mph for 11 days and nights. Except you still wouldn't get the salt spray, matted hair, rolling and pitching.
Yup, I know not what course other may take (no pun intended) but, as for me, give me a full enclosure or give me .... a powerboat .. eeehuuu
And also IMHO, oilskins, sou'wester hats, and rubber boots should only be worn by the Glouster fisherman on a box of fishsticks.

 

[sailingdog]

This is a very good point... and one I agree with. You're much better off being able to try the gear on personally. For instance, I generally require a large or extra large, since I wear a 44XS tux and have an 18" neck...but I'm also only 5' 4" and most stuff that fits my shoulders and neck are designed for people 8-12" taller than me.

...go by fit instead.

The best foulies in the world won't do much for you if they don't fit right. It's wrong to assume that Brand A makes a set of bibs in your size, Brand B will fit just as well. There is a lot less standardization in foul weather gear than there is in something like blue jeans.

For my part, I wear through a set of bibs every two or three years, while a jacket will last twice as long. For this reason I no longer try to buy sets. My bibs have to be breathable, and they have to fit perfectly because I'm wearing them 20-30 hours a month. I can do with a cheaper top because I always have several tops on the boat, used for different weather conditions. This is especially true for those of us who sail year round in latitudes higher than 36 degrees.

I'm a firm believer in having at least two sets of foulies. Nothing worse, when the dog watch approaches, than having to don the wet foulies you took off four hours ago.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

A comment about gore-tex ...

I was in a ski shop a few days ago and pulled out a nice gore-tex jacket from Marker. I was thinking it might double as a good foul weather jacket. The owner of the ski shop must have been reading my mind (or he was looking at the sailing themed baseball cap I was wearing ) and said "it won't work in salt water".

I was stunned for a second since I hadn't even mentioned anything about using if for FWG. He said for fresh water use it would be great, but he had tried gore-tex for FWG on a salt water passage and found that it 'clogged the fabric' when drenched with salt water and lost it's breathable qualities. He said it rapidly became very clammy once that happened.

According to this guy, the dedicated salt water FWG is not gore-tex. I didn't know what to think but the jacket was very nice for skiing and I sail in fresh water, so it suits me fine! We're never out in foul weather, though, so FWG is not in our sailing wardrobe!

 

[Sailm8]

everything about gore-tex

http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Technique/index.cgi/noframes/read/15222


Last paragraph seems to say it was rejected by the marine industry and offshore oil as a fabric for heavy weather long use. I don't know if it's true but came across the artical when I googled gore-tex

 

[Robert9949]

I have tried everything and have found that nothing will keep you absolutely dry when the weather turns bad. I like my rubber suit (pants with bib and jacket with hood) and I deal with the condensation inside by saying "that is the least of my discomfort".

In light wind and rain a Cowboy Hat keeps the water from going down the back of my neck. AAAAHHH.

Also that fishermans hat the "Noreaster" it looks dumb but it works. My wife bought me one for a joke, but when the wind picks up it goes on my head. The Noreaster is the best.

When the Temperature drops and the wind pushes the rain and spray over the boat, I use the hood attached to the jacket, sit with my back to the wind. A big wool sweater keeps me warm even if it gets wet.

Note: If you wear blue wool mittens (not too durable, but warm) do not rub your nose !!

Mon Amie