|
|
 |
| Used Boat Classifieds>>
Useful Boating Articles
|
| |
Foul Weather Gear
|
|
What It Does
Foul weather gear has the challenging task of keeping active boaters dry from rain, spray and solid water. But, if these
were the only requirements, we'd all be wearing simple slickers. In addition to external water protection, foul weather
gear must also offer a wide latitude of ventilation options due to varying exertion levels, must offer mobility for active
wearers, must be durable to withstand the marine environment (including rough nonskid surfaces, chemicals and salt), and
should be comfortable to live in for extended periods of time.
Matching Gear to Your Needs
We've divided our foul-weather gear into five major categories: Fishing/PVC, Inshore/Lightweight, Dinghy/One Design,
Coastal Cruising/Racing and Ocean/Offshore. So, which type of gear is best for your needs?
Fishing/PVC
While most foul weather gear 25 years ago was made out of welded PVC or a similar plastic sheet, most gear is now made out
of a nylon or polyester base fabric with a variety of waterproof coatings. But PVC gear is still popular among those who
fish due to its slick exterior which makes it easier to clean up after a day of angling. PVC gear also tends to be the least expensive for
short-term or occasional use. Finally, heavy-weight PVC gear is the choice of commercial fishermen for its durability and
slick surface.
Inshore/Lightweight
This type is ideal for most boating, because of its light weight, very good protection and
relatively low cost. Some styles offer waist pants instead of bib overalls and most jackets are
short for greater mobility.
Dinghy/One Design
Very active sailors require extreme mobility, tight closures to keep water out and
light weight for comfort under different exertion levels. Dinghy foul weather gear is
generally a simple shell which is worn over thermals or fleece. One-Design gear is
more expensive and has more features like the use of stretch GORE-TEX® fabric, more comprehensive hoods and additional pockets.
Coastal Cruising/Racing
Most sailors select coastal gear since it offers the features required for days at sea. Competent
hood and collar systems, multiple pockets and fully-lined construction make coastal gear
comfortable and protective.
Ocean/Offshore
Ocean/Offshore gear is designed for the most severe conditions and extended
day-to-day comfort. This is for sailors who live in their gear and depend on it for their safety and possibly survival.
Be realistic in assessing the kind of weather you expect to encounter and the number of times per season that you are likely to wear the gear. While it's a serious mistake to go ocean racing wearing lightweight inshore gear, it is possible to over-buy foul-weather gear. If activity is limited to day trips or buoy racing in fair weather, a lightweight breathable suit will be far more comfortable than heavy, offshore voyaging gear. Though the occasional squall may give you a soaking, you can be back at the dock before real discomfort sets in. On the other hand, if you plan to engage in long distance racing or cruising-or if your local conditions tend to be harsh, the investment in a top-quality suit, like Gill's Alanntic ,Henri Lloyd's,GORE-TEX Offshore or Musto's MPX GORE-TEX Offshore Gear can be a literal lifesaver.
Waterproofing
Keeping water out of foul-weather gear is accomplished by coating a fabric substrate with a water-impermeable material such as urethane or PVC-or using a breathable coating on fabric that has pores large enough to allow water vapor to pass through, but too small to allow liquid water to pass. Each of these coating materials has strengths and weaknesses that make them suitable in different applications as described below.
PVCA durable, abrasion-resistant material which may be applied to the inside
or outside surface of a garment. When used on the exterior of the substrate, such as in the Pro Rainer fishing gear, it has the advantage of being easy to wipe clean of fish blood and scales, grease and diesel fuel. PVC garments are fabricated with "heat welded" seams, which eliminates the possibility of water finding its way into the garment via needle holes created by stitching.
UrethaneA synthetic polymer that's lighter and more flexible than PVC. It is usually applied to the substrate on the interior of the garment because it lacks the abrasion resistance of PVC. Urethane is not as likely as some PVC formulations to become stiff in cold weather. Seams in urethane coated garments must be taped or sealed to prevent water getting in through needle holes.
Breathable FabricsMicroporous waterproof garments utilize the fact that a
drop of water is larger than a molecule of water vapor to seal out external rain and
seawater while letting the moisture caused by perspiration to escape from inside the garment. The result is a garment that stays warm and dry on the inside, no matter how many times it is soaked on the outside. The best known and most proven of these fabrics is the breathable GORE-TEX® brand. Henri Lloyd, Gill, and Musto have developed proprietary coatings which have very similar properties to GORE-TEX®, but which offer greater value.
A second breathable fabric technology is now becoming popular:hydrophilic
coatings.Hydrophilic coatings allow water to pass through the garment a molecule at a time without the use of pores. This includes liquid water, as when perspiration condenses on the inner surface of a jacket.
We find that foul weather gear which utilizes breathable fabric is dramatically more comfortable when sailing in warm climates, or when the type of boating requires exertion and, therefore, results in perspiration.
Source: www.westmarine.com
|
Useful Boating Articles
|
|
|
