As a USN EOD Diver, I had opportunities to use a "Submarine Deck Suit".
These things were VERY warm, fairly comfortable, as buoyant as a wet suit
and provided great protection from rain and spray.
The suit is a day glow orange outer nylon shell (with pockets), neoprene
core throughout, with a nylon liner. Not a PFD and won't win any points with
the yachty crowd, but warm, dry, and highly visible.
Big problem I see with a lot of high end foul weather gear is the colors. If
you go over the side, you want to be as visible as possible; so colors like
blue, white, yellow, green, and even red are for the clubhouse, not bad
weather on a small vessel.
My 2 cents.
MMC
"Dave" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 11 May 2005 20:32:22 -0700, Stephen Trapani
said:

A wetsuit might keep you warm but it has nowhere near the bouyancy of a
PFD.

I haven't been in a wetsuit since my days as a Navy diver 35 years ago,
but
I recall the wetsuit's providing plenty of buoyancy. That's why you had to
wear a weight belt. The difference is that the buoyancy is spread out over
your body, instead of being concentrated in the upper part, so there isn't
the same righting moment keeping your head above water and feet down.
Could
be significant if you're unconscious.

May I recommend a Kokotat dry suit. They are breathable and comfortable
(especially with the removable neck ring). It doesn't replace a pfd but
if I had to choose between the two I would take the dry suit. Probably
the best combo would be the dry suit with an inflatable pfd.

Wetsuits are hot, restrictive, and stinky. I used to kayak with
wetsuits but the very best way to go is a breathable dry suit.

LG