there are a couple of places
you might try.
Alaska Kayak School has got used Kokatat Tropos Meridian Drysuits on sale for $300 (http://www.alaskakayakschool.com/gear/summersale.htm).
Kayak Academy has got a used Kokatat TSE Tropos Swift Entry Dry Suit on sale for $250 (http://www.kayakacademy.com/ and follow the links). I’ve heard they’ve got good policies too.
Get on the internet and look around.
I view my drysuit as one of the best purchases I have ever made. Found it after a long search for $250, a price I could afford. Your boat’s a major investment, your paddle is important. But right up there is your clothing. I agree with the person who said don’t take shortcuts, you’ll just wind up getting the thing you were trying to get around in the end, and then you’ve bought both! Hardly a way to save money.
Good luck!
Dual purpose clothing
For what it’s worth, the only paddling insulation I have that doesn’t do double duty is my few rashguard tops and the wetsuit, and of course the drysuit. Everything else that goes under those items also works for other winter outdoor activities like hiking, snowshoeing, snow blowing and staying warm inside an old drafty house when I am not willing to turn the thermostat past 68 degrees.
This may be a little easier to pull off in a climate that gets really cold, but I suspect that even in the south you would find that you can get clothing that’ll work for paddling layers as well as general outdoor activities.