One of the most uncomfortable feelings about boating is being soaking wet from rain or spray. This is especially true when the temperatures are cold, or the wind is stiff. I have been on the water under both of the circumstances and can tell you first hand that is it not a comfortable experience. For this reason, it is essential to find a solution to continue to remain dry. Here is what to know about boating rain gear. 

Why Boating Rain Gear Is Important

Sitting in soaking our clothing is certainly an uncomfortable but avoidable situation. Boating rain gear is paramount to having a more enjoyable day on the water boating for fishing. Here is why rain gear is critical. 

Remaining Dry

Without question, you’ll be at risk of soaking through your clothes from more than just rain. When the winds are strong and waves are high, the spray is equally as much of a culprit for causing you to become inundated in water. 

Undoubtedly remaining dry is made possible by utilizing the correct rain or foul weather gear. Use rain gear when the weather calls for stiff winds or showers during a day spent on the boat. 

Heat Loss

Heat loss is directly associated with wet clothing. Although you are unlikely to suffer from hypothermia or injury from the cold during the warm summer months, you should be aware of this as temperatures drop in the fall, winter, and spring. 

For this reason, make the best effort to keep your clothing dry by utilizing foul weather gear, especially when the weather is cold. I have boated in temperatures near freezing, and the rain gear keeps me dry and is also effective at blocking wind. 

What Does Boating Rain Gear Consist Of

When we refer to rain gear, we are not just talking about a jacket. To remain dry, additional protective layers are required to keep your clothing and body dry beneath. Here is what rain gear consists of. 

Jacket

Everyone thinks they can just throw on a jacket, and the rest of the body will remain dry. The jacket is one piece of the puzzle to deflecting water away from the body when boating. 

While yes, the jacket keeps the core of the body dry it is not enough to remain entirely comfortable. However, it should be noted that most rain jackets will have a hood covering the head. 

Pants

Yes, rain pants make a substantial difference when it comes to comfort while boating in wet conditions. 

Unquestionably, the pants prevent water from soaking clothing from the waist to the ankles. Additionally, the jacket, on top, extends over the waistline of the pants so the spray or rain flows down to the ankles as compared to entering at that divide. 

Boots

Thus far, the body is covered from the head to the ankles but we can’t forget about the feet. Walking around in watersoaked sneakers is unpleasant to say the least. However, this can be avoided by wearing deck boots. 

Unquestionably, deck boots come in different heights as far as how high up the leg they go. However, all that is required is a waterproof boot where the rain pant drapes over the top. For this reason, the water flows down the jacket, over the pants, outside the boot, and onto the deck. Your feet will remain dry and comfortable. 

Boating Rain Gear Aftercare

Don’t neglect your boat rain gear after a day of boating in the rain. Throwing your foul weather gear in a crumpled-up wet pile will not bode well on your next boating adventure. 

After rain gear becomes soaked, it must be properly dried. However, when exposed to saltwater, I highly recommend rinsing the foul weather gear with fresh water. 

Importance Of Rinsing Boat Rain Gear

Without question, it is essential to remove salt from rain gear before stowing. Failing to rinse salt free from rain gear not only causes deterioration of zippers and outer waterproof coating but also to leaves a slick film. 

The next time you’re in a saltwater environment and utilize foul weather gear, ensure it is properly rinsed after each trip. 

Importance Of Allowing Boat Rain Gear To Dry

No, you can’t just crumple the rain gear up in a ball and throw it on a shelf after it has become saturated with rain. 

Failing to allow the gear to dry puts you at risk of pulling out a mildew covered jacket and pants the next time you head out boating. 

For this reason, after each use, hang the pants and the jacket in a covered location until both have thoroughly dried. After they dry, you will have no issue storing them until the next use. 

Keep Dry With Boating Rain Gear

Remaining dry with rain gear is made simple when using all three components. The jacket with a hood, pants, and boots are designed to keep you dry and comfortable in unpleasant conditions. Take it from me, I have extensive boating experience in harsh conditions through the east coast and the Bahamas. Lastly, take care of your gear to ensure it lasts for years.