Go Back   Cruiser Log World Cruising & Sailing Forums > Cruising Forums > General Cruising Forum
Cruiser Wiki Click Here to Login

Join Cruiser Log Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-16-2006, 02:23 AM   #1
Ensign
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1
Send a message via AIM to jersail
Default Offshore Foul Weather Gear

I am an experienced inshore sailor but have never done any offshore cruising before. I will be beginning a trip in January from Florida to Central and South America, and then from there may be taking other crewing opportunities around the world.

I am looking for some good offshore cruising foul weather gear but don't really know much about it. Can anybody recommend a good company/model of gear for cruising in mostly warm environments?

Any advice would be much appreciated!
__________________

__________________
jersail is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2006, 08:06 AM   #2
Lieutenant
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 58
Default

Musto offshore is pretty dependable. IF you can afford it, go for the gore-tex stuff. If you are going to be at sea for a while, breathable foulies are a real bonus. I would also recommend that you get your own harness (although the musto offshore jacket, from memory, comes with a harness fitted. You should aslo get your own inflatable pfd (why would you trust anyone elses?). You might also want to consider a strobe or even a pocket EPIRB...
__________________

__________________
You what?
Weyalan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2006, 10:18 AM   #3
Admiral
 
Auzzee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Home Port: Darwin
Vessel Name: Sandettie
Posts: 1,917
Default

Hi Jeremy. Offshore gear is a difficult subject to address. Take a look at the WestMarine catalogue and the arrangement of scores of pages exhorting the virtues of a wide variety of styles. About the only thing manufacturers agree on is the use of GoreTex.

If you will only be cruising in warm waters, and you are on a larger style of cruising yacht with a centre cockpit and a solid dodger, your best gear is a nice pair of undies and a brightly coloured 'T' shirt.

If you are on a more open boat (read 'wetter') you will need waterproofs of some sort. It is easy to say that you should buy the best you can afford. Not so easy to determine what is the best.

I have a Goretex coat with hood, deep pockets, tight velcro wrist seals and not so much cold weather insulation. I have never worn it. I have however worn my Goretex 'bib'n'braces' offshore pants made by some no-name company and designed for use by commercial fishermen operating in tropical climates.

One day I will buy a set of Henry Lloyd offshore gear for cold weather sailing and looking cool on the dock....but I haven't grown a beard yet..or bought a BMW 4x4, so I guess it will have to wait.

I definitely agree with Weyalan that you should buy your own inflatable PFD with harness and crotch strap.

David
__________________
"if at first you don't succeed....Redefine success"!


Auzzee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2006, 07:22 PM   #4
Commander
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 178
Default

Jersail:

Recommendations are difficult on this subject as the quality of the products don't necessarily align with the prices, and because we all have our own preferences. Definitely concur on the inflatable harness vest & tether.

Given your route, I would recommend two criteria for you:

-- be sure to have a set of bib-type trousers, for 2 reasons: you will see regular (tho' short duration) convective-borne rain, and you will find night watches bring lots of condensation onto the cockpit surfaces. Bib/pants will help you stay dry in both cases.

-- given your sub-tropical route, I'd look for a lighter-weight, breathable jacket with the basic offshore features (high collar, good wrist seals, multiple pockets and a hood) rather than one of the heavier models. To this I'd take add a fleece layer for the cold frontal weather you will occasionally see early in the passage.

Have a good run and enjoy!

Jack
__________________
Jack Tyler is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cleaning Mouldy Wet Weather Gear. Solero Living Aboard 5 03-01-2012 01:28 AM
Tropical Weather And Offshore Synopsis…nov. 04, 2011…issued 10:50 A.m. Edt StormW "StormW's" Daily Weather Synopsis 0 11-04-2011 03:09 PM
Coastal And Offshore Weather Synopsis Dec. 08, 2010 Issued 11:40 A.m. StormW "StormW's" Daily Weather Synopsis 0 12-08-2010 04:39 PM
More On Unexpected Costs Of Sailing & Foul Weather Gear Tom Farley General Cruising Forum 2 02-23-2007 09:17 AM
Foul Weather Gear Scott Miller General Cruising Forum 1 10-26-2005 11:18 AM

Our Communities

Our communities encompass many different hobbies and interests, but each one is built on friendly, intelligent membership.

» More about our Communities

Automotive Communities

Our Automotive communities encompass many different makes and models. From U.S. domestics to European Saloons.

» More about our Automotive Communities

RV & Travel Trailer Communities

Our RV & Travel Trailer sites encompasses virtually all types of Recreational Vehicles, from brand-specific to general RV communities.

» More about our RV Communities

Marine Communities

Our Marine websites focus on Cruising and Sailing Vessels, including forums and the largest cruising Wiki project on the web today.

» More about our Marine Communities


All times are GMT. The time now is 11:18 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
×