Drysuits and wetsuits on the cheap

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by George_SD

They are used by everyone, not just "professionals". They have their uses and benefits, but the neoprene without the cloth liner attached to it is more fragile. Fabric (inner liner layer) acts as a protective layer and makes it easier to put on, but does not stick to the skin and does not insulate as well.

I earn my living in an open cell suit. Pretty sure I understand the pros and cons

[tkeithlu]

Hip waders have a nasty reputation for drowning fly fishermen. Lean over just a little and suddenly they are full of water and dragging you down. Consider just the wetsuit, or the wetsuit plus a layer of thin light baggy clothing to help with abrasion.

[Chotu]

If it pertains to the buoyancy part of the conversation:

I’m a sinker. Backfloat? Not so much. I dip low enough doing those that my airways go under water. My body doesn’t float at all. Legs and feet start heading downward when I’m in a back float too

Also for the floatation vs depth part… I’m diving about 36-48 inches below the water here. Boat keel is 24 inches down. Tips of the rudders in the down position are 36 inches below the water.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Hip waders have a nasty reputation for drowning fly fishermen. Lean over just a little and suddenly they are full of water and dragging you down. Consider just the wetsuit, or the wetsuit plus a layer of thin light baggy clothing to help with abrasion.

But dragging me down to what? I’m already standing on the bottom if I’m using those. Not understanding this dynamic.

Alre definitely considering the open cell wetsuits. Seems to be the way to go. I’m just looking to be able to go info 30-40F water to do this as well as normal water temps.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Chotu

I’m just looking to be able to go info 30-40F water to do this as well as normal water temps.

Well honestly, you are not going to be comfortable in those water temps for any length of time in anything but a drysuit.

[thinwater]

Posts 18-20 make many points that were missed. Like most multihull sailors, he will be cleaning while standing on the bottom.


In this situation (I've had 3 multihulls), the only down side of a dry suit is cutting it on barnacles. You'll just have to be careful. You should be cleaning before there are more than a few. If the water is truely near 35 F and you are worried about the shock of cold, this is the way to go.


No, not cheap. Used dry suits are likely to leak.


As for latex allergies to the seals, you can probably fit something under them. Nitrile gloves. Maybe a very thin balaclava over the neck. It will leak, but your head won't be going under much and the balaclava will keep critters out of your ears. I would ask a drysuit maker. Get a suit with attached feet (no ankle seals).

[Cpt Mark]

If you get a wetsuit and that's what I'd recommend, get a 1 piece lycra suit to put on 1st. Makes getting in/out of a wetsuit a breeze. Get good booties and boot socks. (1/8") neopreme.

[ToddNash]

I bought a drysuit off Alibaba for about $200, including shipping. It was brand new and came directly to my house in a couple weeks.... It's great for winter-time use on my little Laser dinghy. 40F water is pretty cold, though.

[Chotu]

OK. Maybe I will just give up on the dreams of being able to keep things clean in the winter. Let the growth happen and then use a wetsuit when the water is warmer.

seems to be the consensus of the wisdom in this thread

[CaptJimFrei]

I'd consider renting a farmer-john style + shorty wet suit from a local dive shop if only using a couple times a year.

I've dived off Catalina Island with a 7mm shorty over a 7mm farmer-john with a hood...worked fine for me.

[Pat_D]

I got my wetsuit from a kayak/etc rental-tour company. Owner rotates them out while they are still in good shape.

[Alaris]

Just bought one of these. Discontinued; original price $1600-2000. On sale for $599.

https://www.divers-supply.com/aqua-l...ysuit-men.html