Switched from a drysuit to a hot water suit for a harbor job in Seattle last month

I'm a concrete contractor mostly, but I do some light commercial diving on the side for inspections. Had this gig checking pilings at a marina in Seattle, water was 48 degrees. I been using a drysuit for years, but the mobility with all the tools and the umbilical was killing me. Borrowed a hot water suit from a buddy, and man, the difference in how long I could stay down and actually work was night and day. Finished the job in about 4 hours instead of 7 like I estimated. Anyone else made the switch and seen a big jump in bottom time?

2 comments

2 Comments

spencer_ross1d ago

You ever had one of those days where you get out of the water and realize you actually enjoyed the work? I hear you on the mobility thing, drysuits just fight you every time you reach for a tool. Sounds like a no-brainer switch for that kind of job, especially in 48 degree water.

tylerw921d ago

Right, warm water and a wetsuit top is way better for wrenching than that stiff drysuit setup.