It’s winter, which means that across America, boaters are facing wildly disparate weather conditions. If you’re a Rhode Islander, it might be 40 degrees and you’re wondering if you’d be crazy to hop onboard your boat one last time. You Floridians, on the other hand, are likely out and about, enjoying one 80-degree day after the next. The good news is, no matter what the weather’s like in your neck of the woods, there’s a boating-friendly cover- up out there that’ll keep you comfortable. From hardcore, windproof jackets to breezy, UV-protected shirts, Mother Nature’ll have nothing on you.
($69.95; www.columbia.com)
Cool Catch
Columbia’s aptly named Blood ‘N Guts fishing shirt provides just the right amount of protection for the warm-weather angler. Made-from vented, stain-repellent fabric that has a sun-protection factor of 30, it’ll keep you cool and burn-free.
($199; www.westmarine.com)
Rain Rain Go Away
Want a wallet-friendly, foul-weather option? Check out West Marine’s Explorer Coastal Foul Weather Jacket, which is made from hydrophilic-coated fabric and has waterproof seams.
($145; www.gillna.com)
Mighty Midweight
Gill’s brand-new Inshore Lite jacket is made from a breathable, waterproof fabric and has an internal “multimedia player pocket” on the chest.
($119; www.capefearsportswear.com)
Warmer Wear
Cape Fear’s Performance Soft Shell for women has a poly, spandex, and fleece blend that provides superior wind and water resistance, while weighing in at a mere eight ounces.
This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
