I never owned a westsuit until I lived in Maine. But that was a long time ago.

Wetsuits are fine - as long as they stay wet. Unless you wear a Lycra suit underneath them, they can really get itchy when they dry out - especially in salt water.

Gore-Tex (breathable) drysuits are the only way to go these days - you can wear polypropylene long underwear and fleece underneath them and stay really warm - and dry.

If you don't have the budget for the drysuit, spray tops / pants are versatile. You can wear the same poly underwear / fleece and stay reasonably warm (but you won't stay dry).