Association Forum - Foul weather gear

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Foul weather gear

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Member Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/08/2008 : 23:32:19

Looks like the Admiral wants to get me some foulies for Father's Day. I don't need anything real heavy duty since we stay in fairly protected areas and sail in fairly decent weather. So, anyone have a good experience with foulies that would work in the rain in 50-60 degree weather? Looking for stuff that is well made, comfortable and reasonably priced. Thanks.

We cannot direct the winds but we can adjust our sails.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 06:11:18

Reasonably priced....No. I bought a Henry LLoyd jacket that is great. It is more for cooler temps. 50s - yes....60s -.no. 40s - yes w/layers. Cost a bundle...about $200. Just got it in the Spring from www.defender.com after i saw it in a marina store in the Annapolis, MD area. (West marine did not have this specific jacket.) Able to wear it a few times and in one rain which it worked out very well...great hood ! Now it is retired to the Fall ! I forget the model and would have to check at home ...but sounds like you want something more reasonable. May want to just check out a sporting goods store for an all-around outdoors type jacket versus a marina store jacket. (By the way...my wife informed me that "That" was my Fathers Day gift ! "So don't expect anything else."

Edited by - OLarryR on 06/09/2008 06:12:07

Even Chance
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
393 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 06:14:32

Randy, I have a set of the Gill Coast Lite foulies, which I like very much. I got the jacket one size larger than usual so I can wear fleece underneath if needed. It's not meant for a hurricane, but fine for any rain I'm likely to be in. Breathable and dry.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

Members Avatar

844 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 08:08:51

Randy, a lot of people have reported that marine foul weather gear is generally foul, and that camping gear from REI for instance is better, lighter, more comfortable, etc. I think a thread over on co.com recently discussed this. Given your neck of the woods and the outdoorsy nature of your fellow citizens in your "prevailing" weather, I would check camping stores and compare to marine gear, both for price and quality/fit/comfort.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 08:29:58

I like Henri Lloyd stuff myself as well as Gill. But they are pricey... Be advised that REI stuff and the like just does not hold up to salt spray if it is GoreTex. Gums it right up such that you might as well be wearing cheap plastic crap that will make you sweat inside and feel all clammy. West Marine in all of their brilliance has eliminated Henry Lloyd and most Gill products in favor of their own crappy brand name stuff which probably will do the trick, BUT...

As with everything related to sailing, quality costs more but you will only cry once.

Sten

DPO C25 #3220 "Zephyr", SR, FK
SV Lysistrata - C&C 39 - Newport RI

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 10:15:56

I have bought several closeouts and web specials here, currently there is slim pickins.
http://www.henrilloydonline.com/web/categories2.php?cat=Jackets07

Edited by - on

Bruce Baker
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 11:49:20

Check out this site:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Henri-Lloyd.html

I've got the Breeze gear, and I love it. It's summer-weight, perfect for temperatures in the 70s. It breathes nicely, and the pants only go up to the waist.

I've also got some of his heavier weight gear for spring and fall, but the jacket is too clunky. I wear a West Marine jacket I got on the clearance rack instead of my $300 Henri Lloyd.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 12:24:52

I have REI gear - a light waterproof breathable windbreaker and waterproof breathable pants. This set cost about $200. I wear this all the time. I practically live in the jacket.

For heavy rain and cold weather, I have the West Marine 3rd Reef set. These are bib type overalls and a heavy waterproof jacket. I wear these a few times per year. I got this on sale for $150 for the whole set. This will keep you warm and dry in coastal conditions. Beware - you have to take the whole thing off to pee.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 21:53:24

I have light weight Helly Hanson and it works well. I had Gill before, but I left it in a closet in a condo. The real issues are comfort, quality construction, and style. No matter what name they apply to their breathable water repellent layer, it is gortex. Try the fit with movement and activity, check the density and weave of the outer shell for abrasion resistance, be sure the cuffs and neck close and be happy with the appearance. All of the big marine names make quality products, as do Columbia and others, and they all go on sale. I found my Gill jacket on sale at WM for $99 and my HH at Boater's World for about the same.

I did read a letter in Practical Sailor from a sailor who had worn his Gill Jacket on multiple Atlantic crossing and extensive coastal cruising to the point of it nearly falling apart. He was at the Annapolis boat show and stopped at the Gill booth to see about replacing it. They told him it had a lifetime guarantee and replaced it on the spot.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

Members Avatar

USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2008 : 11:23:20

We both have the WM branded Henri Lloyds and so far so good. Rita's is fire engine red (she calls it her fireman's suit), and mine is canary yellow. Nice warm pockets & hoods, through fittings for wearing a harness (our PFDs have built in harnesses), and reasonably comfortable. I'm not sure what retail is on either, our WM management friend applied her discount in both cases.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2008 : 14:38:04

Your best bet is to try on a few pair of the name brands and see what you like. Between the goretex, the harness, the zippers the pockets the fleece neck (important) the double sleeve closures and everything else it is tough to find one that suits everybodys needs. Since you are looking for something light I'd suggest a pull over goretex or breathable spray top. Easy portability, you can wear it over a few layers if needed and it keeps you dry.

I haven't had any issues with the name brands Gill/Musto/Lloyd/SLAM. I have had issues with a couple of off brands and non-big name West Marine labels. The main problem being the lifespan. I also recommend picking a color that stands out against the drink...Red or Yellow.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2008 : 18:06:23

Check out www.sportsmansguide.com, one of my favorite sports clothing and camping gear places. Also, I got a very comfortable pair of waterproof bib overalls at Wally World (aka Walmart).
David

Edited by - on

Renzo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
621 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2008 : 08:40:21

The admiral got me a set of HIGH SEAS foulies many years ago(15-18yrs) and they've kept me warm and dry ever since.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 08/23/2008 : 15:46:17

Well, I finally got a chance to try on some foul weather gear at a WM. I liked the Henry Lloyd Breeze line and discovered that I am a good fit for their Medium size. Went online to [url="http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Henri-Lloyd.html"]here[/url] and got a jacket, vest and pants for $126 which is more than a 50% discount!

Bruce, thanks for the tip about Sierra Traders.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 08/23/2008 15:47:05

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2008 : 19:43:36

I have owned Helly Hanson, Gill, and WM - all were functional, but I found the Gill most comfortable for me.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2008 : 19:50:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave5041
 I have owned Helly Hanson, Gill, and WM - all were functional, but I found the Gill most comfortable for me.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

p.s. Columbia makes a variety of high quality outdoor gear.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2008 : 22:15:30

I have a WM set that works well and was a good value at the time... But on top of all of the above, nothing beats a broad-brimmed Tilley hat!

For the unpleasant times you're stuck at the helm in driving rain and wind, consider having a cheap diving mask--works wonderfully!

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

2402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2008 : 07:17:09

But what about style points!

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2008 : 09:06:56

Hey, I wear those sunglasses that fit over my glasses... I don't need no steenking style points.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
5907 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2008 : 09:37:04

I bought a very nice set of Ronstan foul weather gear (jacket and bib pants) at the Annapolis sailboat show for $99.00. I have an expensive set of Gill Key West foulies, but wear the Ronstans for racing, to reduce wear and tear on the good ones. The Ronstans keep me dry and are very breathable, and comfortable. I have also seen the Ronstans on sale at the same price at the Chicago Sailboat show. The company that sells them is located in Florida, but I don't remember their name. I believe, however, that they go to most of the big sailboat shows. $99.00 is hard to beat for reasonably good foulies.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2008 : 16:44:34

Practical Sailor did a pretty deep review a few issues ago.

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.