Mailport: March 2015

Foulie FitJolly Good DebateJolly Roger Take 3Rope Clutch TestShoe testClarification

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I have a question about your February 2015 foul-weather gear test. You tested and measured the jackets, but you did not mention the actual physical sizes. There seems to be no consistency in sizes from one brand to another. I require a 3X jacket size, and the only brands that sometimes fit are Gill and West Marine. This even changes from year to year. Can you comment on which lines are actually larger?

John Parker
Lake Michigan

Foul-weather gear

With this round of testing, we found that the Henri Lloyd and Gill foulie kits, and the Helly Hansen coastal jackets ran true to size. This was also true with the women-specific foul-weather gear we tested. However, testers did note that the Helly offshore kits, especially the ocean racing models, ran on the roomy side. We assume this is to accommodate layering base layers and fleece or sweaters underneath. The West Marine foulies we tested fit a tad more on the small side. Both Gill and Helly offer the mens kits we tested in sizes XS to XXXL, while Henri Lloyd offers XS to XXL, and West Marine kits run from S to XXXXL.

As designs change from season to season-and some are more tailored than others-the fit often changes. We recommend you try-before-buy, when possible. Boat shows are always a good place to try on foulies from multiple makers (plus you probably will get a boat-show discount to boot), and West Marine stocks several brands in-store, as do many local outdoor retailers. If you are buying online and simply cannot try on a potential foulie kit, check out the makers sizing charts and read through posted customer reviews, which often mention fit and sizing, before making your selection. Keep in mind, if you plan to sail offshore in cooler climates, youll want to account for space for layering. There are some things you just can’t know unless you try on the kit yourself, like how the hood fits your head and face. The makers we tested have no qualms accepting unused gear returned because of fit. For more tips on selecting foul-weather gear, see our foul-weather gear tests online at www.practical-sailor.com.

In regard to the February 2015 Mailport letter about the flying of the Jolly Roger flag: I was not aware that modern-day pirates still sported the skull-and-crossed bones flag. I have consulted with the captain, and be assured that henceforth, while venturing the treacherous waters of Middle River, should we come upon a vessel flying this dread flag, we shall take her under fire until they heave to and surrender, or join their dastardly mates of old in Davy Jones Locker.

Ned Dexter,
Certainty, Rhodes 22
Frogmortar Creek, Md.
Jolly Roger Take 3

When I see a boat flying the Jolly Roger, the furthest thought in my mind is that of the current atrocities taking place in the likes of the Horn of Africa. The Jolly Roger today is a symbol of fun-loving,free-spirited renegades. The type of sailor I would welcome to my dock and gladly offer a drink. The Jolly Roger, which today isused in amusement park rides and childrens books,is even used as a patch on the sleeves and equipment of U.S. Navy SEALs and othermilitaryunits deployed in the defense of our freedoms.

Scott F. Carpenter,
Tenacious, ODay 30
Bayonne, N.J.

We received several letters about the February 2015 Mailport letter regarding modern-day flying of the Jolly-Roger flag, which was a response to our December 2014 cover photo. You can see the letter and photo online. Feel free to comment online.

In regard to your rope clutch test report in the November 2014 issue: I have Spinlock clutches, two sets of three, that came with my Tartan 30, 20-plus years ago. I lubricate them with Teflon powder every spring, and they continue to work just fine. I have had to replace the arm in one clutch.

I club race in 20 to 30 races per year, so I do think about replacing them, but then hear a faint cry about if it aint broke….

Russ Curtis
Via email

I have yet to wear out boat shoe uppers before my soles age and turn slippery. Sometimes it takes only about 18 to 24 months before theyre dangerously slippery. Id like to see a future test include how long the rubber retains its grip, by brand and model. It would also be good to know if there are different sole materials that grip better or longer, and what to look for when shopping for those.

Lawrence Furst
Via email

We have tracked the grips demise (see Science of Shoe Soles, PS August 2014 online). Generally, harder soles last longer, but are less grippy. However, sole composition/style changes frequently, so weve found that our long-term tests often arent of much value. (We have not yet found an accelerated test we like.) Cobblers will replace an original Sperry sole, but its grip is half that of the grippiest, non-replaceable soles.

In the January 2015 issue, the Bahamas Sailing Guide Value Guide incorrectly listed the price of the Dozier Waterway Guide. Doziers 2014 Bahamas Guide retails for $39.95.

Where Credit Is Due:
Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.