Flotation suits / foul weather gear

DAKA

DAKA

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What do you wear when the weather turns ?

A few times a year I find my self out in conditions that are wet, either heavy down pour ( Spanish Plumb ?) or heavy seas.

I was thinking of keeping a floating suit on the flybridge, has anyone tried wearing one for long periods ?

Are they too bulky ?

Do you still need a life jacket and what happens if you go into the water unconscious ?
Is a flotation suit designed to keep your head up ?

Do you think a wet weather one piece overall and auto lifejacket is better ?
 
They are great, we would thoroughly recommend them, both for comfort and safety. My wife and I first bought ours about 8 years ago, for use in the West Highlands. The boat we had then had no shelter and wearing them made a rather damp chilly day quite comfortable. They can be a bit too warm, in warm weather at low speed but you would not normally wear them in these conditions.
The bouyancy they provide is only 150N, that of bouyancy aid, and they will not turn an unconsiouse wearer face up so we still have lifejackets for high risk situations. In fairness if you fell into cold water the thermal benefit of a floatation/survival suit would probably do more to save you than a life jacket alone.
The better ones are comfortable to wear and not to bulky so have become popular with recreation fishermen. They are a lot cheaper bought from fishing tackle shops rather than yachty suppliers - usually <£100 for a top quality one.
Regards mikej
 
We both got a Cossalt floatation jacket each, very warm and wind proof, still wear a LJ though
xmas08018.jpg
 
I have a Ravenspring breathable drysuit. I can wear it all day with no problems. It has the optional fly zip, so don't need to take it off for a pee, which makes a huge difference. Thermals and woolly bear fleece underlayers when very cold.
 
I certainly wore mine on the Phantom f/bridge, very good in the colder weather. A two piece would probably be better in case you get too warm.

Life jacket required true, but if you're concious, the bouyancy is good enough as mentioned by 'mikej'

The Sundridge is a good all rounder at less than £100. But be prepared to be called, 'Noddy!' /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I use Fladen. You can pick up ex oil rig stock for £70 at certain times of the year. Brand new really just been hung in cupboards.

Flotation suits are great for wind and water protection. I have done trips in ribs from southampton to ireland and scililys etc and swear by them. Super comfortable with lots of free movement.

If you do go in the drink they are great at keeping you afloat /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Even though most are 150N the bouyance is obviously spread so you have to work less with your legs etc. You do need to get out quick though as they offer no thermal protection at all as they are not close enough to your skin like a wetsuit.

If survival is the key then a dry suit is the way to go. These how ever are uncomfortable for boating. After a few hours you're be sweating like a P.I.G!! I used to get terrible salt neck rashes from them and the SWMBO would acuse me of recieving hickies!!

The only downside with floatation suits as previously mentioned is you look like the michelin man when strolling around the pontoons. At least others will think you are a serious extreme boater...grrrrrrr
 
You don't sweat inside drysuits if you have a breathable one, with wicking materials next to the skin. I can wear mine all day very comfortably
 
Apologies there. Mine couldnt have been breathable. Never heard of wicking material either! I must have a softy neck too /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
wicking materials are artificial fibre underclothes. You can get the thermals in any outdoor shops. They were designed to be used with the original goretex outdoor clothing, as opposed to cotton or other natural materials which just absorbs the sweat. The artificial materials allow the breathable material to work by wicking any sweat away from the skin. If it's cold, then I have fleece salopettes and top, which are also wicking.

I have a one piece Ravenspring Rapide, with an elasticated waist (makes it easier for day long wear, and less like a balloon) with attached boots and most importantly - the optional fly zip so you can have a pee!
http://www.ravenspring.co.uk/system/index.html
 
Thanks for everyones input /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I have now researched all suggestions, including the drysuit option.

Brenden's looks the business but it is a fair amount of money to shell out for one or two days a year and at that cost I dont think I would leave it stuffed in a locker on the flybridge so chances are it would not be to hand when needed.

I think the cheaper fladen two piece is a sensible compromise and would be easier to put on while bouncing around.

Of course I hope I dont need it, this season is going to be calm and sunny /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
What do you wear when the weather turns ?

A few times a year I find my self out in conditions that are wet, either heavy down pour ( Spanish Plumb ?) or heavy seas.

I was thinking of keeping a floating suit on the flybridge, has anyone tried wearing one for long periods ?

Are they too bulky ?

Do you still need a life jacket and what happens if you go into the water unconscious ?
Is a flotation suit designed to keep your head up ?

Do you think a wet weather one piece overall and auto lifejacket is better ?

[/ QUOTE ]


I have both a breathable dry suit which I use mainly for rib and jet ski work. When out on the flybridge or on a larger sportsboat then I may use an all in one 100N floatation suit. They are warm and very comfortable to wear over time.

Picture below is of me on a delivery trip a few weeks ago when it was very cold. Windproof and waterproof it was a better option for what I was doing than a dry suit. I always wear a lifejacket with it. It's a buoyancy aid and only has 100N buoyancy. I got it from a sea fishing tackle shop. It was reduced from £150 to £75 about 5 years ago.

DSC06260.jpg
 
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