Clothing Definitions

[Aja]

You may have seen from other posts that we were out racing on Saturday and it was very wet.

Both my wife and I currently are wearing Gill oilies, but talked to others who were also out and they were wearing Mustos etc and claimed the same experience.

Basically I have a 'Four Dot' jacket bought new this spring. 'Four Dot' is classed as -

"Breathability: HIGH; Durability: HIGH
Offshore / Ocean use over consecutive days or weeks in harsh climates and rough conditions. High performance three layer. 100% water proof, breathable w/ taped seams."

I was totally dry.

My trousers on the other hand were 'Three Dot', were replacements for a leaking pair last season - no quibble from Gill they gave a straight replacement. 'Three Dot' is classed as:

"Breathability: HIGH; Durability: HIGH
Coastal / Offshore use. Excellent for several days of continuous use in rough conditions. Two layer micro-porous 100% waterproof, breathable w/ taped seams."

I was soaked. Not fit for purpose. and I certainly wouldn't have worn them in more than light continuous drizzle.

Other than spending upwards of £500+ do the panel think that the Trade Description Act could be invoked for some of the claims made by manufacturers of sailing clothing?

Donald

 

[captainslarty]

People pay HOW MUCH !!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I dont believe its a trade descriptions issue, these ´clothes´are more style than function mostly.
Try real oilskins /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
or preferably move to a drier climate.
Ok, to be serious.. the BEST way, is to ask other non fashion conscious sailors. not the manufacturer. gil is great, we have some old stuff of theirs, but hardly wear them. The only thing that keeps you totally dry is a drysuit, if you remember not to pee in it. But it can limit movement. Offshore n inshore is pure bull imho.
Or... let someone else steer and you sit below... ??

 

[flaming]

If they leak, send them back. All of the clothing manufacturers are good at backing up their kit in my experience.
As an asside the set of Musto coastal kit that I have is now in its 4th season of getting some fairly heavy abuse and have never leaked, my previous Gill suit lasted 5 seasons before the arms stopped being waterproof.

 

[Aja]

The trousers were already a replacement set and I will be in contact with Gill again.

My grump is their definition of 'Coastal/Offshore'.

As John Reid says.... "not fit for purpose..."

But what would be on a wet day on the Firth of Clyde?

Surely not....:

Five Dot

" Breathability: VERY HIGH; Durability: VERY HIGH
Extended Offshore / Ocean use over consecutive days and weeks in harsh climates. Ultra high performance three layer, 100% water proof, breathable w/ taped seams."

Donald

 

[Aja]

Totally dry would be a drysuit, but not really practicable on one of those days where alternating between jacket; trousers; jacket and trousers....

"Offshore n inshore is pure bull imho..." in a nutshell. If you rarely go offshore but still get wet???

Donald

 

[flaming]

I think you might just be unlucky, I would certainly expect my coastal stuff not to leak in those sorts of conditions.

 

[gandy]

Same as Flaming, either you've been unlucky or we're lucky.

We both have Gill "Coastal" suits, special offer at £99.00 for jacket and trousers a couple of years ago and no longer made. They are "2 Dot" fabric. We've been out in very wet conditions, and apart from the odd dribble past the cuffs they have in general stayed waterproof and kept us dry.

 

[Aja]

Thanks for that.

We'll contact Gill and see about a replacement for my wife's (older) trousers and a replacement for my replacement trousers.

One year old waterproofs should be waterproof inshore.

Donald

 

[Slow_boat]

My Guy Cotton top cost £40 and is still waterproof. As are the £10 lightweight motorcycle waterproofs I wear with them.

Mind you, they wouldn't cut the mustard with the racing crowd. Yellow top and black trousers, see /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[aitchw]

I don't know about that, they sound pretty stylish to me!

 

[flaming]

[ QUOTE ]

Mind you, they wouldn't cut the mustard with the racing crowd. Yellow top and black trousers, see /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

As long as you have the Dubarry boots you'll be fine.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Sybarite]

If they claim 100% waterproof then that is what they are obliged to provide.

I for years used ordinary Guy Cotton waterproofs but a few years ago decided to go posh with a German made Offshore suit. After about three years - and not very much sailing in that time it leaks like sieve.

I have now applied some waterproofing spray but have not yet tried it. At Guy Cotten's I bought a back-up set of yellow oilies just in case. €10 for a set as used by fishermen. Individual jackets (end of line) were going for €2 each.

John.

 

[claymore]

Thats awful Donald - mind you my Marks and Spencer Cardigan got a bit damp in Troon last week - still, the eberspacher soon dried it oot

 

[Aja]

Claysie

Don't yer just hate it when the sleeves hing doon to yer knees.

Never a pretty sight.

Donald

 

[Slow_boat]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know about that, they sound pretty stylish to me!

[/ QUOTE ]

I feel like a south cardinal mark. A dry one. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Marmalade]

I use musto trousers / salopettes and a Henri Lloyd jacket - neither the top-of-the-range serious offshore kit but both totally dry in 24hrs of heavy rain and being doused with spray. If yours leak - return them

Simon

 

[Alan1]

If you really want to know how waterproof or breathable oilies really are ask for proper statistics , most European brands publish them. If the ones you are looking at do not ask why.
Waterproofness is measured in water column by mm and breathability by gr/m2/24hr