Attire for chilly weather

I am a new sailer. I tell everyone this because there is a good chance that I will spend a lot of time in the water.

I live in Phoenix so the temp is mild. During the day it is 65-70 degrees, and the water is stable 60 degrees in the winter.

I am trying to decide on the most cost effective way to stay relatively warm and dry.

I found a Gladiator Nylon Dry suit for $250, which seems inexpensive, but I don't know about the quality. Will it be too hot?

Is there another option that may be better for my climate?

Mike

That is chilly?

Due to the desire to sail my newer boat, a friend and I went out to the lake a few times over the past month. One day it never broke 45 degrees, and the water temp was mid to high 40's. What we do is wear a wetsuite and then just shorts over the bottom but a fleece top on top. That treats us pretty well, but we are young and don't mind getting cold.

I would wait to see what someone who has more experience says but I really doubt you will need anything if the water is in the 60's and so are the temps.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

A general boating rule of thumb is if the water or air temperature is below 65 degrees where a wet suit. This is primarily a safety issue. (all surfers chime in here) In case you capsize and spend a longer than expected time in the water your primary goal is prevention of hypothermia.

Wet suits are not as comfortable as dry suits. You've found dry suits can be expensive. Our "cheap" alternative (for the short season in spring and fall of cool water) is shorty wet suit with spray top and or bottom. As gree says may be supplemented with fleece if necessary.

If money is not a major concern, Kokotat has a new breathable "Tropos" dry suit (I guess it's technically semi-dry if it breathes?) that is purported to be more comfortable and is around $400. When looking at dry suits I'd lean towards major brands. Sailing a cat will create more wear and tear than sitting in a kayak.

_________________
hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

We sail Lake Michigan year round, and use 7mm wetsuits, 7mm booties and 3mm hoods. Waters temps are in the mid-30's, and air temps are below in Jan/Feb. Our conditions are more servere, but you could find the thinkness of the wetsuit to fit your temps. Scuba.com has good prices for wetsuits.

For those conditions a 3/2 suit would work fine. Buy the most you can afford. The high dollar suits have more stretch and better seals. I wear a Quicksilver Cell and have been very pleased. It actually repels water off the upper body. I surf with it mostly but it is comfortable on the boat. A spray top is also a good investment. If you are lake sailing in moderate wind you shouild be fine. If you plan to ocean sail in cool weather then a drysuit is the best route. Try several suits on, they all fit differently. Should be tight but not restrictive. Look for flex panels in arms, legs and torso.