Drysuits

I agree, what I'm trying to say is that a steamer is perfectly adequate and the bulk of a drysuit is only justified if you are going to sit still on say a rescue boat.  However if you are like me and spend lots of time in the water you can increase the warmth by wearing thermals.  I must confess I don't these days but before I could afford a steamer I used to wear my standard long-john with thermals and a spray top.

My warning about cotton still stands, some people just don't realise the benefit of wool or an modern fibre over the poor insulation that wet cotton provides.

Thermal clothing under a steamer !!!

you want to try weetabix

Eat them thats is , too bulky and crumbly for wearing !

Can't abide drysuits , I use a 3mm wetsuit from march to november for sailing  , never get cold , but as Doc cliff may point out I do carry a tad of personal insulation .I used to think running about in ribber suits a bit pervy , but drysuits are darn uncomfortable (as for neck seals !!!!!) , restrictive and zips a pain , the suit I currently have and only wear if really have to (sitting in a rib all day  watching nippers sailing ) has a front zipp and I still need a hand to get out as do others .

One tip in the boot dept , don't wear wet boots too tight !, my last pair 8mm were tight and bladdy freezin , bein a misely git had to wait till I wore them out ,then replaced em last nov with 4mm slightly looser , and feet toasty !!!

The tri-laminate drysuits are best as any rip is usually in the sacrificial top layer.  Personnally I like something that feels substantial rather than single layer drysuits.  I agree with Lucy for single-handed sailing, wetsuits are best as you have the flexibility.  In the bigger boats front entry zips are fine.

I think its the same as anything......you get what you pay for.  If your gonna play in the winter it is worth investing in the right gear to stay warm.