Flotation suits. What's best?

[tonygibbs]

Hi fellow sailors.

I normally wear waterproofs I use for walking while out on the boat. I have decided to get a flotation suit, but what's best...1 piece or two piece, material? Should I buy one from a chandler or an angling centre?

Thanks in advance

TG

 

[Kelpie]

I have a two piece Fladen suit which I use a lot over the winter. Very hard wearing, keeps you toasty, and when I had a chance to try it out during my sea survival course I found it was fairly supportive in terms of buoyancy.

SWMBO prefers a one piece suit as it's less bulky- the two piece obviously has an overlapping area. I like the two piece as it's a lot easier to take the jacket off if you have something physical to do. I guess that says a lot about how we split the jobs on the he boat...

 

[alant]

Hi fellow sailors.

I normally wear waterproofs I use for walking while out on the boat. I have decided to get a flotation suit, but what's best...1 piece or two piece, material? Should I buy one from a chandler or an angling centre?

Thanks in advance

TG

Reasons?

 

[tonygibbs]

Reasons?

Good question! Protection from the weather during the winter, an extra element of safety if I end up dunked in the briny and could also use it for sea fishing.

Kelpie, I'm swaying towards a 2 piece suit, I suppose I can try them on in the shop then decide.

 

[caiman]

I wore out my first one piece suit,a 'Huricane 2' made by Mainstream Marine by wearing it at work.My second one piece suit which is a Fladdon feels a bit 'cheaper' by comparison,and I doubt would stand up as well as the Hurricane allthough I would still reccomend them at £85ish a go.IMHO they are cheap,practical,and unpretentious,allthough a bit sweaty.I got mine from EBay.Hope this helps.
Cheers

 

[tonygibbs]

I'm looking on ebay at the moment
Cheers

 

[ShinyShoe]

SWMBO prefers a one piece suit as it's less bulky- the two piece obviously has an overlapping area. I like the two piece as it's a lot easier to take the jacket off if you have something physical to do. I guess that says a lot about how we split the jobs on the he boat...

Mmmm. Does this physical stuff risk going over the side?

Imagining you floating head down, legs up in your floatation trousers...

 

[Kelpie]

I've already thought of that: steel toecap boots will ensure I am self righting once in the water.

 

[caiman]

Funny you should say that,I habitualy wear 'Dunlop Purofort Heavea' wellys when sailing for the same reasons as using a Fladdon.We use the same type of wellys at work.I buy my wellys from Strawsons who are a commercial fishing supplies outlet based in Amlwch.
Hope this also helps.
Cheers