dressing for cold wet boating

Hiyas Madwand
Jackets, my fave subject next to suits. I own 6 technical jackets all the way bomber from Sub arctic conditions to a very high tech windbreaker that is killer in the Tropics. All have their own specific purpose to keep my inner core nice and toasty.
Let me know which one you pick
Trinomite

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Looks like a jacket's gonna cost me more than a good pair of pants.

Madwand,

If the drysuits only cost 750 each that would be a good price . Mine has enough material for two so it was a bit higher! THe experts say a combined air and water temp of 100 F or below there is a severe risk of hypothermia. Any water temp below 80 has a risk if you are being cooled by constant emersion. I use the 160 for comfort, I don't like being cold, it takes the fun out of the sport. The other great thing is you are dry when getting packed up or get to camp and not getting chilled. In a TI or AI your going to be getting splashed, a lot on a windy day. As far as putting the suit one , that is a shore based activity only. I carry the suit along on those sunny warm days just to have it if I end up needing it. Here in Tampa we are never to far from a good stopping place to take a break. If I am doing a long crossing like the mouth of the bay in these conditions I suit up regardless of the sun. Like I said getting cold sucks

Madwand:
I think I read that you live on or near the gulf coast (near Baton Rouge). The conditions are quite different in the gulf from Canada, I'm Canadian but moved to Florida which gives me a huge advantage over the natives (my wife). In the winter the gulf around here gets down to 60-65 degrees water temp, well thats like summertime up in Canada and what I grew up in, so I love the winter here ( I sail all year round). However even at 65 degrees water temp if submerged in the water for an extended time it can be dangerous. Unfortunately in the winter the water can be 65 but outside it could be 80 and sunny so a full dry suit down here in Florida can become uncomfortable.
I honestly don't know the correct answer but whenever I go out I always log were I am going and how long I will be gone, and if overdue my family would inform the authorities. In the winter it seems to work out well for me to wear layers. I have a 3mm shorty wetsuit that can easily be put on and taken off on or in the water, I also have scuba diving boots that I wear in the winter, they seem to keep my feet and lower legs warm even when I have to walk in the water to launch. If it gets colder than normal I would add (over the 3mm shorty) a pair of 5mm bib wetsuit pants that cover my lower body and chest yet are easy to remove (same outfit I scuba dive in during the winter). If it is rainy and wet I also have a plastic raincoat and pants that I can slip over everything to help break the wind, and helps keep me warmer.
I keep my cell phone in a dry bag and accessible if I did happen to capsize. I plan to buy a spot 2 GPS system for this winter, which has an SOS function. I would also like to get a waterproof VHF radio. In the winter I don't plan long trips out in open water, I tend to stay near shore in and around other boaters. If there are no other boaters in the area I stay home.
If ever planning an open water long or unsupported excersion in winter I would consider a good dry suit to be required equipment, even in Florida.
Hope this helps you
BOB

Yes, I agree drysuits are a must have when risk of constant emersion is there. But for me and my GF to spend a few hours a month on the water, I can't justify that kind of layout. I'm already looking at $800 just for pants, jacket, gloves, and boots. Base layers not included yet. All for a few hours a month on the water for a couple of months a year. I suppose if we both fall in the water at the same time and the TI explodes, we will be in trouble.

it's gonna be interesting this winter. never kayaked in winter, so don't know what to expect when out there...

and living in florida poses it's own set of interesting circumstances! but my local hobie dealer is also a dive shop, and they also have tons of kayak'in clothing/gear for the winter (i saw a lot of kokatat stuff)...but it sure doesnt sound like it's gonna be cheap either way!

_________________
2019 Hobie Outback Slate Blue
2018 Hobie Compass Seagrass Green
2012 Hobie Pro Angler w/MD180 Papaya Orange

ex 2012 Hobie Tandem Island
ex 2011 Hobie Pro Angler
ex 2011 Hobie Adventure Island
ex 2010 Hobie Adventure Island

Yeah, it appears the boat is the least of your worries when you buy it. They hook you for all the accessories for a lot more. Here's my clothing order for two people, being pretty frugal.
NBRDPBM-17743 Black Rock Dry Pant Black Black Size = M $149.95
NBRDPBL-17740 Black Rock Dry Pant Black Black Size = L $149.95
KTSPJRM-6767 TROPOS Superbreeze Paddle Jacket Kokatat Size = M $109.00
KTSPJRL-6768 TROPOS Superbreeze Paddle Jacket Kokatat Size = L $109.00
NRGBM-2849 Rapid Glove Blue Blue (NRS) Size = M $26.95
NRGBL-2850 Rapid Glove Blue Blue (NRS) Size = L $26.95
ARLNGB-16552 Rho LTW Neck Gaitor Black Size = One Size $25.00
HC-17868 Croakies Size = ONE SIZE $6.99
Total $603.79 - $90.57 boat customer discount = $513.22

This doesn't include any undergarments.

Madwand
Nobody 'hooked' you into anything, my friend. Your purchases are a series of personal choices and commitments.
Would you buy a Harley and not buy leathers for your girlfriend or yourself in case the other guy sends you both skidding down the Highway at 60 mph?
Would you buy a snowmobile without 2 full snowsuits, 2 full face helmets, avalanche beacons and rescue gear, GPS locators and a senior course in Snow Pack 101?
Would you buy any toy that could put you and your loved ones at risk if sheit could really hit the fan?
I doubt that you would as a person that seems to own a considerable amount of common sense.
Indeed you could have packed up the boat and called it a season, yet you chose not to. Good choice, Madwand.
In my opinion, well done.
My sincere hope that you will never have to use any of this gear at the absolute limit of survival.
(Edited: That sincere wish also applies to anyone on the waters as the days get shorter,the temps get colder, and the winds seem to get a lot more friskier than they did a mere 6 weeks ago)
Fair winds
Trinomite

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Costco sells some really well made long underwear (tops and bottoms). No not silk but by experience they have been my fave backups for when the silk is soaking wet from sweat, boating, biking or climbing.They are around $19 per unit.

However, you don't need my advice, do you, as you never asked for it, right?

Take care, buddy. Remember, we only do this for fun..

Trinomite

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Although all your comparisons are valid, they do not negate the fact that you do get taken for accessories. You really don't have much of an option to not buy them if you want to fully enjoy the product. They know that and they mark up the goods appropriately. $360 for a set of vinyl tramps, really? I hardly think so, but I had to have them. But I did know going in that I'd have to buy stuff.

Why are you so sarcastic? It's really not necessary. I would take your advice, but there are no Costco stores around here. I'd surely like to be able to go to one.

Dude!
Yah that's the price of what it costs to play. A Harley can cost you in the 50 grand range once you add all the goodies.
Look if you whined about having to buy a chrome plated muffler, I wouldn't say a word.
This is about SAFETY GEAR. The stuff that will keep both of you alive. If you can't afford that then don't buy it and stay at home.
I am tired of your accusatory Bullsheit, Madwand. I was NOT sarcastic when I mentioned to you as to where you can get some reasonably priced Underwear.
How the hell should I know that you don't have a Costco in Baton Rouge.
So, use your head and look up Costco.com and order them online.

Yup, I've had enough of your whining crap. You claim not to be a child and insist that you are not to be talked to as a child.
I'd love to talk to you as an adult if you would stop acting like this forum owes you anything.
We do not work or act for Hobie in any way. People here spend their precious time to try to help each other. I or anyone else here are not part of your warranty
If you can;'t figure that out, then indeed, you may be a lot younger than you claim to be.
Grow up!

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Man, you've got some issues. You were sarcastic when you said I didn't ask for your advice. I never said you should know I don't have a Costco. I said I would like to go to one. What is wrong with you?

You certainly are a volatile fellow.

No Issues, Buddy. When you get qualified as a Lawyer let me know, until then your word games are childish.
As I said, ppl's time is precious.
You've gotten the advice that you need. Say thank you and do what you need to do to keep your girlfriend and you safe.
Bye Bye

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

I posted here http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=158718#p158718 that I did what I needed to. I'm really at a loss why you continue to try to bait me with comments like people's time is precious when you spend so much time berating me on my posts. I've taken your advice when it wasn't asked for as you stated, and I said so, yet you continue attacking me. You really need to loosen up, before you stroke out. And like I said before, if you're going to read every post on the forum, you need to slow down and comprehend them and stop mistaking what people say. I'm sorry if you think policing this forum is your job.

As far as safety you keep mentioning, you brought that up, not me. I never asked anyone for safety advice. I asked what equipment will keep me warm and dry. Not safe. We take our lives in our own hands and accept responsibility for our own actions. We are as safe as we think situations warrant. I understand the only way to stay 100% safe is to not go. A little less safer would be to wear a ridiculously overpriced drysuit (X2) at all times. Not gonna happen. I don't have the money to waste on something that the odds say I won't need where I sail. If you like owning 5 drysuits and 7 paddling pants and 13 kayak jackets and 9 pairs of dive boots, that's great for you. I'm glad you can afford the extravagance. I'm more frugal with my money. It's only a toy, after all.

Why do you need a lawyer?