Foulies or floaties for coastal sailing in PNW?

[PaulinVictoria]

So.... my current waterproofs are at that point where they can't quite keep out a big downpour so I am looking at replacing them. I've looked at some foulies as well as some float coats and can't quite decide on which route to go. Foulies allow me to layer better, but have to have my PFD on over the top (not a big deal), floaties are warmer and float (obviously), but wouldn't allow me to layer as effectively (in particular overheating whilst scrambling around the decks).
I'm not planning on any offshore stuff, just coastal sailing throughout the winter, BC Gulf Islands area.
Thoughts?

[PaulinVictoria]

Oh and I'm looking at Helly floaters and some Stormtech foulies (not oilskin style).

[blt2ski]

Hard to argue against a GOOD pair of rubber pants and boots........ Sometimes even the coat! altho I have found a GOOD goretex style coat works reasonably well, excepting the BIG DROP rain like earlier today here in the Seattle area, then rubber all the way!

I hate to say it, but one almost needs two sets of rain gear if you will. one for the nasty downpour days ie rubber, and one for the lighter drizzle/wind protection days which could be gore-tex or equal.

Beyond the if it can or can not float.....I acutally like my mustang inflatable over the gear, with no issues on my part.

I am sure a lot will depend upon you and how you prefer to operate. I could see a drysuit for some days around here too! Especially if I was frostbiting a laser in saltwater!LOL

marty

[PaulinVictoria]

My main concern with the floaters is that they are going to be too warm, and quite bulky for crawling around in.
These are the foulies I was looking at:
SLX-1 MEN

[blt2ski]

The coat looks nice.

I use a ski parka for the top, and have some bibs that are ment for boat work. Spouse has a coat similar to that one, IIRC a WM house brand that works well for her. A lighter one for the summer is nice! or at least a way to layer down.

Marty

[PaulinVictoria]

They have matching bibs too, and I can get a set at a pretty good price at the moment. I think I'll go for some foulies, a floater is nice but I think it will perhaps be too much for most of what I need.

[blt2ski]

The way I look at it, You WOULD KNOW if you are in the conditions cold etc to want floaters! If your sailing is like what I do down here in the southern salish sea, a GOOD pair of foulie's do work wonders. Add a good hat, warm dry gloves and rubber/waterproof boat boats...... that will take care of the worst weather you would want to be out in.

Others from around here may have a slight different speel, but would SWAG it would be pretty close to the same preference!

Marty

[PaulinVictoria]

I think you're right Marty, thanks. Any recommendations for gloves? I guess something waterproof, warm and also durable/grippy palmed.

[JedNeck]

I like neoprene gloves...wet suits for your hands...seal skin or something mine are called...use them for duckhunting mostly...but they will be better for holding wet cold sheets here in the PNW.
Fishing waders with felt soles may be sweet foul weather sailing gear.

I have Helly Hansen gear...heavy duty yellow stuff...like on the fishstick box.

It's great if you don't mind looking like a big rubber banana.

[zz4gta]

If you're going to spend $300 on a jacket, why not just get the sailing specific gear?
Looks like good kit, but I'd rather have the neon yellow hood instead of red.
Also, is that breathable? The rubber stuff is good if you want a cheap option that will stand up to fish hooks or crab pots etc. But that stuff doesn't breath at all, and the lining takes forever to dry from you sweating in it.

I've never had my gore-tex stuff leak. It'll get wetted out, but no water comes in. After sitting in heavy rain in the Atlantic for 10 hours straight, I was still dry.