Which goggles for sea spray

[Skipper]

For you offshore and\or weather-be-damned sailors:

Which goggle type is best for sea spray? Swim goggles, ski goggles, etc.

When the wind pipes up, the spray is in your face, the rain is pelting you, and the waves are coming over the bow, which goggles are the most comfortable and effective?

 

[Brian S]

Beer goggles?



Sorry, I just couldn't resist...

 

[Chris Patterson]

Kind of like the fly thread going here maybe, but I know of nothing that works well. The problem being the salt water fouls the lens so quickly most don't even help. I currently use a pair of polarized shades propped on the end of my nose like reading glasses. When a biggun comes over, I just tilt my head back to stop the spray in my eyes, look back over them afterwards and keep plowing. It actually works quite well for me. A dodger would stop all of this of course, but on my boat, weeeeeellll......maybe I'm not old enough for one yet..

 

[tommays]

IF you wear glasses they may fog under various goggles

I do OK with my normal glasses

 

[Skipper]

Beer goggles?



Sorry, I just couldn't resist...

 

[Gunni]

I carry a pair of ski goggles for this purpose, and when things get truly ugly, I pull out my dive mask. For the usual nasty, a pair of those over-the-glasses sunglasses that are the rage with grandads work amazingly well.

 

[Ray T]

What ever type of goggles or glasses you get try coating them with Rain X. The theory is that the water will bead up and run off rather than spreading out and obscuring your vision.

 

[capta]

Probably not what you want to hear, but a good dodger is what works best. The only times I've felt the need to wear goggles is on high speed cats or tris, because with 20+ knots of boat speed added to a stiff wind, the spray can really hurt. Just have something like a dish towel handy to wipe your face, and you'll be fine.

 

[Manureva]

Just don't rub your eyes, salt hurt!

 

[Calif. Ted]

I can just see you in goggles

 

[MrBill_FLL]

swim mask.
high volume types like the old us divers tri view.

I have never had to wear a swim mask, even during 25+ knt and rains with temps in the 50's just used my sunglasses.

however I have used swim masks driving skiffs on a plane in bad rainy conditions.

rain is not really a problem its salt spray that really hurts, (at sailing speeds)

 

[Skipper]

I can just see you in goggles

Hill air eous.

What's really funny is that Ted knows what I look like in person...hence the somewhat accurate picture.

 

[Skipper]

It's the wind\spray combo that hurts my eyes. The salt gets in there, and my eyes are already sensitive to the wind. Even a dodger doesn't take the flying salt out of the air. Sunglasses are the usual remedy, but on windier days my eyes start to water up and glaze over. Have to have the towel handy.

I think a dive mask would pinch my nose. I like the idea of the big old-man-style glasses. Not sure if they would keep all out. A ski mask might be the best for visibility. Or swim goggles for ease of use. Anyone use swim goggles?

They would not be put into service on the usual day. But I'm planning an island trip and would "Rather have them and not need them than....". Don't want to have to run around in crap weather managing the boat with watery eyes, and a towel in one hand.

 

[Sailm8]

I use swim goggles and sometimes I use the snorkel when it's raining sideways. It looks stupid but it works and it's equipment that serves multiple purposes. Something that is always good on a boat.
Go to a good dive shop and be fitted for a good quality mask. Don't fall for one size fits all from Walmart.