Replacemet Wetsuit

My faithful 30 years old gul 5mm steamer has given up the ghost last weekend I only every wear it for the odd winter race now and my rather cheep and nasty summer suit needs replacing after only 2 seasons. I am not sure weather to replace both suits or go down the layering route. I am not sure what I would need to buy. I guess a thermal base layer, but long john wetsuit or hikers? I sail a Dart 18 but I am looking for a heavyweight friendly single hander for when I cant sail the cat. Over the other two layers would a Rooster aquafleece be enough on a cold winters race?
Thanks in advance
Chris

Whichever you choose, go for a wetsuit that zips up the front unless you are also in to surfing regularly. Hell of a lot easier to put on especially as you age and become less flexible. Does away with the need for assistance in zipping up and off.
Afterall wetsuits only have rear zips to suit the surfing community who want to lie flat on their board and not get water pushed through the zip.

Interestingly a friend of mine bought herself a front zip shortie and discovered she couldn't get out of it without help 'cos she couldn't manoeuvre the shoulders over her shoulders. She took it back and exchanged for a back zip one. I only have trouble with back zips if they snag part way up (usually the flap getting trapped in the slider) I have one wetsuit that does sometimes but most I've had over the years are fine.

Edited by Sam.Spoons - 23 Jan 17 at 2:37pm

I agree with Sam's comments. I have a Gill front loader with short sleeves. I nearly have to dislocate my shoulder to get the damn thing off. Whereas my steamer is a rear zip and is easy. However the front zip version does make it easier to have a pee between races. 

Ronstan skiff suits.

Best long John wetsuit I've ever owned and now have a couple. No zip, just climb in the neck. Super comfortable and with a rash vest/hot top plus an aquafleece you won't need anything else.