Floatation suits

[Caz-Galway]

Hi Lads,

I am sure this topic has come up before and sorry if I am re-hashing it but I could do with some clarification and advice on Floatation suits.

I am looking for a 2 piece suit that I can use year round on boats and occasionally shore when the winter comes around. So can someone please give me some advice on the following

1. Do you need a lifejacket with a floatation suit? I know one is recomended but what sort of neutons should you go for in a suit?
2. In a two piece is there any floatation in the trousers/bib by itself?
3. Is there any survival/immersion qualities in a floatation suit?
4. Have they good water proofing qualities or do they generally tend to allow heavy rain in?
5. Any recomendations of make?

Any replies would be much appreciated.

Caz

[doggie3131]

hi caz-galway.
1.flotation suits do what they say,they help keep you afloat,but you do have to paddle to help the suit keep you afloat,so a lifejacket with the suit would be the safest.If the suit fits you its got enough neutons to help keep you afloat,BUT i would buy a size bigger so you have the comfort wearing it and for casting.
2.yes but it would not be enough to keep you afloat by itself.but the bib is an excellent peice of kit on a boat during the summer.with a lighter jacket if the weather gets nasty.
3.yes they keep in the heat,BUT if you are having to paddle to keep afloat then you use up body heat,so not sure if one cancels out the other.
4.they will keep out the worst weather that the gods can chuck at you,and keep you warm in the mean time.
5.fladen.its the one i have and its excellent,but im sure that the lads will recommend others,ive a second hand one for sale if your intrested.

[dezzer]

i favour the imax,although some here would disagree,but if you look after them they are great,i replaced my zips with a nylon zip and put a bit of vasoline on it,like new,all these jackets also will eventually let in the water in heavy downpours,and i would also recomend another life jacket to be worn with these floatation suits,the higher the newtons the better,eddie..........

[Caz-Galway]

Hi Lads,

Thanks for the replies. I will pass for the moment on your kind offer doggie. I am much clearer now on what constitutes a floatation suit V a survival suit.

Caz