Waterproofing drysuits?

[erubank]

Made a startling discovery today when I tried out my drysuit for the first time after summerseason. The whole backside of it leaked like a sift. It's a Crewsaver hyperdry, used for four years without any problems. Last time I went for a swim in it in March It didn't leak at all. Have only ever waterproofed the outer fabric once, two years ago. Now, I wonder if anyone has similar experiences? Can't one expect a drysuit to last longer than four years? Will it do any good to try and waterproof the outer fabric, similar to what you would do with a Goretex jacket? Or should I just go ahead and get a mortgage on my house and get a Kokatat meridian? Was planning to go for an extended paddle in two weeks, and would hate for this to ruin my plans!

[tenboats1]

You have done well to get your drysuit to last that long. My Crewsaver lasted as yours did, I then reproofed it with TX10 and got another year out of it.

Don't assume that a more expensive one will last any longer. My Palm lasted a matter of months, the Artistic a year and a half. I've known fabric feet to last literally a few days before leaking like a seive.

Of course it does depend on how often you use it over the years. Mine does c40 days a year, the rest of my paddling I don't use a dry suit.

Based on the above (years of use V cost) my wife has just replaced her Crewsaver with.........a Crewsaver.

[Big Ade]

It does depend on the material.
Some simply de-lamiate when they get to a certain age.
If you do a lot of walking then the crotch area has probarbly started to let in.
If its simple seam lifting, or a bit of de-lamiation caused by abrasion then a good coat with marine adhesive will eeke out a bit more life.
If the rest of the material has started to let in, then its probarbly had it. Go for a quick swim wering jeans and a cotton shirt (where its safe, of course) then see where the damp patches are.

It's coming towards the end of the sailing season, so if you can hold off there may be some bargains to be had.
I got a Henry Lloyd Goretex at an end of season sale.

Incedentally, you can usually get by, for relief purposes, with just a diagonal zip, provided it zips to the bottom.

[Summit to Sea]

Wash with Nikwax TechWash, then wash in Nikwax TX-Direct, should keep it ticking along for a little longer.

Pete

[erubank]

Thank you all for replying. Think I will try the Nikwax and see if I can get by this season, and then look for another suit in the meantime. The water seems to be coming in right through the fabric , and only at the areas that get worn from sitting in the kayak ie backside of legs, knees, bottom and lower back. Seamtapes all seem good, and no visible delamination.

[wideblueyonder]

The water seems to be coming in right through the fabric , and only at the areas that get worn from sitting in the kayak ie backside of legs, knees, bottom and lower back. Seamtapes all seem good, and no visible delamination.

Is this because the breathable fabric is dirty and unable to breath resulting in a lot more condensation than expected or is it actual water coming through the fabric?

I've had dirty Gore-Tex climbing jackets seem to leak but after a wash as described by Pete they start breathing again and stay dry. My assumption has been that the damp/wetness is condensation. Not sure if the drysuit is suffering the same.

[Lindz]

I found this forum when searching if it is possible to re waterproof a drysuit as mine leaks at the crotch area....looks great when take it off after paddling. I was reading by you can wash it with nikwax...you mean in the washing machine or what? can someone please give me instructions of how to wash it. I have used nik wax before on all my oudoor jackets. My drysuit does say do not machine wash but I think anything worth a try as oterwise it going out.
Lindsay