Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

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Part 2: The Basics of Operation
Over the top of your soft inner clothes you need a windbreaker of some sort. A good rain
suit (see the following section, “Singing in the Rain with Good Rain Gear”) is the most
common choice.
Gore-Tex gloves are also a must—waterproof, but they let sweat escape so your hands
don’t get clammy. The type with Thermax or other insulation is best for powerboat operation.
If you’re fishing or running a sailboat, where you have to use your fingers frequently,
lighter gloves are essential. Neoprene diving gloves are waterproof and give you a good
grip, plus fairly good warmth. Standard sailing gloves, which expose your fingertips but
protect your fingerpads and palms with canvas and leather, are good in moderate weather
but not warm enough when it’s frosty. Wool gloves don’t hold out water, but they do
remain warm when wet—they make a good extra pair to have in your pocket.
Singing in the Rain with Good Rain Gear
Rain may not make you sing, but it won’t make you or your crew that unhappy if you
have enough good rain gear aboard. Rain gear varies hugely in quality and price, from the
$4.99 drugstore poncho that’s about as durable as a garbage bag to some serious stuff
suited for ocean crossings that costs over $400 for coat, pants, and hood.
The cheap stuff is worth what you pay for it, which is nothing.
The best rain gear is nylon, coated with neoprene rubber or PVC waterproofer. These
suits may last for a decade or more if cared for properly, and they absolutely don’t leak.
Gore-Tex got a bad name early on when it tended to seep in heavy rain storms. The
problems have been cured with later generations, and it’s good stuff, although quite
expensive. It offers the no-sweat advantage—it lets your sweat evaporate through the fabric
but keeps out rain.
The best hoods have a broad, stiff brim that will act like a miniature umbrella to keep rain
off your face—a big plus when it’s really coming down. The brim can be rolled up for
Boat Bytes
Opt for a bright-colored
rain suit: In the unlikely
event that you or any crewperson
ever falls overboard,
yellow or bright
orange is a lot easier to see in
the water than green or blue.
better visibility when you want it more for wind protection
than to stop rain. (The hood is a major factor in
keeping you warm, because a lot of lost body heat exits
through the head.)
I personally like bib-style pants because they prevent
water from getting under the coat and down your waistband.
Whatever style you buy, be sure to get it large
enough to accommodate the coats you will most often
wear under it. Good gear also has very heavy duty,
corrosion-proof zippers covered by wide “storm flaps”