Foul Weather Gear Question

[EliotR]

Thanks..I was at the Annapolis Boat show and saw some pretty neat stuff, but didnt buy anything. Im thinking of going to Miami in mid February for the strictly sail show..i was actually planning on going the first day of show to avoid the crowds, but it makes sense to go the last day.

[andrewoliv]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

An idea for (possibly!) getting a deal of foulies. Do your homework before so you will know what normal prices are. Go to a big boat show on the last day. Check out who is selling the kind of gear you want and what their prices are (perhaps do this before you go to look at the boats). Go back to the booth in the last hour or so of the show and see what kind of deal you can strike. Often prices will be marked down because the vendors would prefer not to have to pack everything up and take it back to their stores/warehouses. Don't be afraid to do a little haggling. I got a very nice price on some very expensive Henri Lloyds at the Toronto show years ago this way. Of course, they may have sold out of what you want, but that is life. The Defender warehouse sale in March generally has very good prices and you can get them online.

My Wife and I saved up to 50% off Helly Hansen in Annapolis on the last day of the boat show. All of the points mentioned above were accurate.

[Dog Ship]

I used to swear by HH. For the money they may still be the best on the market.
Last weekend my wife and I picked up some Gill foulies. Although expensive, we were out all day in the rain with waves crashing over the boat. We stayed warm and dry.
I am completely sold on Gill, there is not much better.
Now a days you get what you pay for.