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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Best Foul Weather Gear?

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/04/2002 : 13:02:17

Ok, it is raining a lot down in Texas lately and I still want to get out and sail. I want to buy the very best foul weather gear for the Admiral. The jackets we have are not water proof, it is water resistant..gear that "breaths", more designed for Soccer. We sailed both Sat. and Sunday and we were wet down to the socks and underwear even with our water resistent gear on. Since we do not get really cold weather for very long, we need gear that will keep us dry, we can always put warm stuff on under...or maybe something with a removeable lining. If you have some really good foul weather gear that works please let us know the make and model, I need to get the Admiral fixed up quick!
Thanks,
Steve Steakley

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jm
Captain

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Canada
290 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2002 : 13:14:02

Gill - http://www.gillmarine.com/

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2002 : 13:54:38

I agree with JM regarding the Gill...Its what I wear currently and have tried many a pair over the past number of years. Their Gore-Tex is extremely breathable yet keeps you dry to the bone. If you are looking for something a little lighter you might think about Helly Hanson or, if you don't mind dropping a few bills, Henri Lloyd as a very lightweight, goretex that is one of the most comfortable jackets I have ever worn..My wife swears by Hank’s gear, but I would rather replace some running rigging than spend that kind of cash for a jacket and bibs.

In the summers here in Cleveland when staying dry is a priority but staying warm isn’t, I usually just wear a set of very lightweight, gear made by North Atlantic Trader....(I think Westmarine carries it) I have also had good success with Pro-Ranier. This is what our racing crew has.

There are a couple of features you might want to consider – Most gear now has reflective strips and neon yellow hoods so you can be seen, but not everyone thinks about pocket placement… Take a look at the pockets, are they going to get in the way with a life jacket on? Will they be inconvenient to access? My set has a pocket on the thigh, its great because I don't have to dig for anything under a life jacket or harness? Does the Jacket allow for a harness worn inside the coat? Nor do they think about the collar One of the nicest features is the fleece collar.

I would recommend going to Westmarine and Boat US and taking a look, and try some on etc. You can pretty much tell how it breaths after a minute or two, plus, you can almost guarantee anything not gore tex won't breath. You can check mobility too…I feel fine in a full jacket, but the foredeck guy refuses to put on anything more than a dinghy spray top….

Most of the stuff out there is going to keep you dry, its your own personal preference that you will need to think about…

Also think about the color....make sure that when you fall in, you can be seen...One thing that irks me at the Yacht club is listening to idiots who got their gear in BLUE or GREEN because they want it to be fashionable...The stuff needs to be functional. Give people a fighting chance to get back to you

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 National Assn.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d603b3127cce9f858f0ef3ef0000001010" border=0>

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2002 : 13:59:16

One thing that this thread reminded me of….We’ve talked about man overboard drills, but how many people have practiced being the man overboard…

Once a season, usually in the summer, we put on our gear and jump in the club pool. We practice kicking off our shoes or sailing boots, getting rid of the jacket and taking off the bibs…

Its one thing to fall in the drink with a t-shirt and swim trunks…but when it happens with the gear on you have to be able to get that stuff off or it will tire you out quickly.

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osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2002 : 18:52:17

Steve,

Foul weather gearis really a matter of personal choice - kinda like swing, fin or wing, or c25 or c250.

Alot, I think, depends on the nature of your sailing. My sailing tends to be day sailing, and if the weather is snotty to start, I rather stay home where I can be dry and enjoy a nice fire! So for me something I can take with me in case it starts raining is appropriate. When my wife and I were at Sail Expo Atlantic City a couple of years ago we looked at rain gear and tried on different sets. Finally settled on a light weight Gill-tex suit for each of us.

My older suit, Omega has become my work suit and I wear that work parties at the club and to paint the boat.

BTW. I like the idea of practicing MOB drills, and its good to be the MOB, the entire crew. Did that once with the Thistle a thousand years ago. Char was at the helm, and we started talking about what she would do if . . .. And the next moment I was in the water, and the boat looked like it was going to tip over. It didn't and she came back to perfectly!

Wishing rain gear and sailing were right for up here now,

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2002 : 00:02:30

Wow!, lots to consider....I will have to take the Admiral around and try some of this stuff on...shopping...not the best part of my abilities..but it is hers!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>, so thank you all and we will start the process......
Steve Steakley

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2002 : 01:52:26

Sailnet is having a Gill sale.

<img src="http://www.sailnet.com/store/prodimage/160x160/promo_gillsale.jpg" border=0>

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
Catalina

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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.