Rob, I am old enough to remember how it was sailing in the old "oilskins" and "sou’wester". I did a few off-shore passages in October in the Baltic Sea (+1 °C - +10 °C) and I now only wish that we had the technical gear that you can use now. It could have been cheap (it was), but it was lousy. It was always wet (moist - it would never dry) inside, it was always cold, you sweated even during the mildest physical effort. No, I would take any, literally any, current all-weather gear over the old "traditional" stuff.
For off-shore, probably the dedicated off-shore foul weather gear is the best. However, for some milder conditions, any decent rain gear would work. Keep in mind, though, that most of the breathable water-proof fabric relies on the surface tension of the water. If you plug the tiny holes in the fabric with salt (and you will, like it or not), it stops working (the salt wicks the water inside and does not allow hot air to escape). You need to wash it often. For washing any breathable fabric (Gore-Tex, HH etc.) don't use any normal detergent - it would leave some tiny residue in these pores and the fabric would stop being water-proof. I use NikWAX products (http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/index.php) and (so far) I had good results. One other thing: I find that quite often the cheaper products, even if they, generally, perform as well as the higher end ones, they lack certain features. I don't sail off-shore anymore, but if I could transfer my experience with technical gear used for skiing, I noticed that the higher end gear usually have a few extra smart ideas (like a wallet pocket available without undoing the front zipper; or an extra large tag attached to the zipper, so you can open it even when you are wearing heavy gloves; or an extra piece of fleece around the neck and cuffs, so that even if it is somewhat wet, you don't feel it; or the built-in harness; or a Velcro pocket for a strobe light; etc.). So if you are looking for a new gear, look at those little tiny extras. You would be glad that you did. Happy New Year to everyone! Marek In Ottawa -----Original Message----- From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of robert via CnC-List Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2017 11:19 To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: robert <robertabb...@eastlink.ca>; Adam Hayden <hayden.a...@hotmail.com> Subject: Stus-List Foul weather gear Adam: In the Spring and Autumn sailing season(s) here in Nova Scotia, offshore sailing gear is my preference. During the Summer, I use simple 'splash rain gear', however, I have a bimini and that makes a huge difference. For me the price point is probably more important than the brand name because I think the more notable brands are all adequate. Many years back (1991 actually), while in Boston for the start of a Marblehead race, I happened to get an exceptionally good price on a Henri Lloyd offshore jacket and pants......it has all the bells and whistles including it's own built in safety harness. I still wear it after all these years.....somewhat faded and worn but still effective. The Binnacle sells a 'wash and waterproof kit' specifically for Henri Lloyd.....approx. $15 I use it every few years and I have to admit, I was skeptical but it actually works. I don't leave it on the boat all season, mostly the Spring and Fall. If I were to ever leave Halifax harbor (on my boat or someone else's) any season, the Henri Lloyd comes with me. I don't have it on the boat during the Summer as a matter of habit as it is too heavy and maybe why it has lasted so long because it has not experienced a lot of UV damage and heat. I keep it in my garage during the Summer and Winter. Bottom line, Gill, Musto, Heli Hansen, Henri Lloyd offshore gear are all good ......for me, the one with the best price would be my choice. The Binnacle in Halifax recently had a sale on its Henri Lloyd gear......maybe contact them and see what they have left and if they still have it on sale and/or would they extend their sale price(s). They also put this stuff on sale during the boat show which is up coming. There is a sailor here, and a very experienced one at that, that layers clothing and wears a set of 'oil skins' and a 'souwester' in foul weather. And I would venture a guess the 'oil skins' didn't cost anything near the other brands. I don't see many (maybe any) fishermen wearing Gill, Musto, Heli Hansen, Henri Lloyd gear. Rob Abbott AZURA C&C 32 - 84 Halifax, N.S. PS I got my steaming light and foredeck replaced and working. On 2016-12-31 2:05 PM, Adam Hayden via CnC-List wrote: > Happy new year everyone! I would be interested in people's opinion on foul weather gear. I am looking to replace upgrade my Gil coastal cruising coat. It seems that it is no longer water repellant and reapplying the waterproofing doesn't work. I like a number of the features on the coat but I feel it should last more than 3 full seasons. Up here in Nova Scotia we have pretty cool and damp weather so for a lot of the season I wear my gear. I won't be doing any ocean crossings but we sail well into October as well. > I don't have a Bimini and am usually the one at the helm during > inclement weather > > > Adam Hayden > C&C 36 > > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If > you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: > https://www.paypal.me/stumurray > > All Contributions are greatly appreciated! _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated! _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
