Budget Foulies, Where? Who? How much?

Sy-Revolution

Sy-Revolution

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Hi folks,
A friend, who does quite a bit of sailing, has no foulies of her own. So far most of her sailing has been on instuctors boats and therefore she's hired the gear when needed.

She'll be sailing with us this year but not enough to warrant shelling out the huge sums that the likes of Musto, et al, like to charge.

Been looking online at the inshore/coastal suits on offer at Mailspeed marine which seem good VFM at £49.99, but are they any good, and are there any other makes in the sub £100 bracket for a jacket & trousers that might be better?

I defer to your greater (collective) knowlege................


Cheers,

Crispin.
 
If the buget would stretch to £150, I would go for the XM Offshore. The cheeper suits are usually quite good but are often not breathable. You really do get what you pay for.
 
.....On the other hand there is a school of thought that questions the use of cheap end breathable fabrics. I had a pair of Helly Hensen bottoms that were fine for keeping the chill out, but became useless in the wet. My personal preference is towards the Mailspeed item.
 
Cheap waterproof clothes are just that, uncomfortable, sweaty,and will let you down when you need them, look at some French and German brands for quality and better value than over branded Musto's etc.
 
Don't buy the cheap compass oilies, they are complete [--word removed--]. bout some for the wife as she does very little sailing and she went through three sets before asking for a refund. Very poor stiching and not very waterproof after a couple of outings.

There are a few people selling discounted new gill oilies on ebay, we have been very happy with ours.
 
On the other hand I bought a cheap comapass set for doing messy club maintainance like lifting moorings etc. I have had it for 5-6 years and appart from a little mildew because I didn't store them all that well when I moved house they are still functional
 
I have a set of Gill Atlantic they are at least 15 years old and I sail alot. They are tough and non-breathable like most of the suits 15 years ago. They have never leaked or torn and yes if you wear them for prolonged periods they are sweaty. I have borrowed XM breathables they seem very light and not up to tough work. The other problem with breahables is keeping them clean and waterproof. All breathables except those made of Gortex will leak which washed unless you reproof them. When I need more oilies the choice will be Non -breatheable if I can find them or Gortex If I can afford them.
 
I second Compass. I also have a pair of breathable waterproof trousers for general use. The sallopetes are restrictive, sweaty and a right pain in all but the worst weather. At least with breathable trousers (£10 from camping shop) you can just undo the jacket to cool down.

Whatever you get, remember that all oilies are is waterproof overalls, not a fashion statement. (unless you sail Lake Solent) /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I second Compass. I also have a pair of breathable waterproof trousers for general use. The sallopetes are restrictive, sweaty and a right pain in all but the worst weather. At least with breathable trousers (£10 from camping shop) you can just undo the jacket to cool down.

Whatever you get, remember that all oilies are is waterproof overalls, not a fashion statement. (unless you sail Lake Solent) /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't knock the fashion element you can always buy last years colours at a decent discount.
 
I originally bought XM but realistically when is damp outside they don't wick the water away from your body as good as the more expensive ones. I also have some Gill coastal ones that seem good but I have never worn them in a storm.

Something out of the left field if its not for serious sailing look at HH work clothes. I saw them in a tile warehouse yesterday, they are breathable and waterproof and the jackets started at £30. They are cut for mobility rather than shelter but would be OK for occassional use especially summer. Ultimately you get what you pay and having bought expensive ski suits/ sailing outfits and motorcycle outfits I accept that the dearer ones are better and realistically there are limitations on cheaper suits.

If price is a major factor I would go to Bicester Village and look in the Gill factory outlet shop. I prefer Musto but find their outlet shop only has XXXL or VVVS unless you are very lucky.
 
Keep an eye open for Aldi/Lidl adverts. If you can find the size youneed, they often have breathable suits for the price of cheap compass oilies.
 
You might consider a set of Trax, Buffalo, Montana or similar mountaineering pile/pertex top and salopettes, with a cheap set of Milletts/ Compass/ Gael force/ Guy Cotten wind/ waterproofs over the top when really wet. They are cheaper than "marine" equivalents and tougher!

Cotswold, AWE in Glasgow all stock and have offers occassionally on "last seasons" colours. Also Canoe and mountain shops rather than yottie, but Andark in Swanwick may have some deals on all sorts of oilies( don't tell Andy I said so!)

We did a lot of Wayfarer cruising, and rather than a wet or drysuit for 12hours or more a day, these did the job. Had the advantage of being useful for walking etc,as well. Both mine and SWMBO's had a cat flap at rear (v. useful in open boat!)and warm too! Shed water quickly if you capsized and were warm soaking wet too- got tip from the Apps who climbed and cruised W's too.
Knew an RYA Yottie Examiner who used the same system on big boats too, as we now do, having up moved up from W's.
 
Try West Marine in California. Cheap and excellent quality and West are very sfficient. Remember you will have to pay the VAT but that is easy to do.The exchange rate is in your favour as well
David
 
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