Onboard Shop Vac

[geoffr]

As we are nearing the end of our major renoavations I've started thinking about living aboard again.... but I'd love to still have a shop vac on board. Does anyone know of a good SMALL shop vac?

What I have now is this one: Shop-Vac® 2.5-gal 2.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac. Ideally I'm looking for one which is about 1-1.5 Gal in size, but the same basic specs:

• Peak horsepower: 2.5 HP
• Air flow: 60 CFM
• Sealed pressure: 53-in
• Amps: 8
• Peak air watts: 120
• Tool diameter: 1.25-in

AC power is fine, as would be battery powered. (or even DC powered )

[john61ct]

The smaller units don't have same specs.

Still very capable https://www.shopvac.com/product/shop...tnum%3A2030100

Don't get cheap off-brand.

Some say the Dewalt rechargeables are OK.

[a64pilot]

I have a Dewalt, uses the same battery as the angle drill I use for hoisting my main.
Works fine, however it has a shrill whine, very high pitched

[steve77]

I have one very similar to yours. Sears craftsman 2 1/2 gallon, 2 hp. It handles everything we need it for.

I was even able to bring it to the boat by putting it inside checked luggage.

Cheers!

Steve

[roverhi]

Have a small shop vac from Home Depot. Have used for everything from sucking the last few inches of water out of the sump to keeping the floors clean. Only issue is it takes an inverter to run.

Lately have been using a battery powered hand vac. from Milwaukee. Has worked great for general cleaning and so handy to use that I use it constantly. I've got a number of 12v Milwaukee tools so just bought the bare vacuum. Use the batteries and charger that I already had which made it a logical purchase.

Milwaukee also makes a Wet/Dry battery powered vacuum. Takes the larger 18v battery, more costly and larger but probably more versatile,

Stinger 2.5 gal. 1.75-Peak HP Compact Wet Dry Vac-WD2025 - The Home Depot

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/0850-20

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/0880-20

[MV Wanderlust]

We've been using this one on board for the last year and love it.

From Home Depot

[valhalla360]

Just went to home depot and picked up a 1 gal unit. Had it for years. Only downside is if you need to suck up a few gallons, you have to stop and empty it a few times but much easier to stow.

Not sure about the specs but had plenty of power. Haven't had good luck with battery powered vacuums.

[SecondBase]

Depending on the job, you might add an extra hose length and keep the base unit out in the cockpit/scupper while operating.

[jstevens]

I elected to buy a bucket shop vac that fits a standard 5 gal bucket (http://www.svsarah.com/Sarah/Images/...Dinghy0012.JPG).
I need the bucket regardless, and the vac power head can be stored separately. I think it has the same specs as a full-sized model, but can be more easily stored.
It does required a more substantial 5 gal bucket than those normally sold by Home Depot. I initially used one of those buckets and the vac crushed it.

John

[geoffr]

Thanks all..

looks like my choice is either the Milwaukee suitcase vac or keep what I have

[gazmitch]

Originally Posted by roverhi

Have a small shop vac from Home Depot. Have used for everything from sucking the last few inches of water out of the sump to keeping the floors clean. Only issue is it takes an inverter to run.

Lately have been using a battery powered hand vac. from Milwaukee. Has worked great for general cleaning and so handy to use that I use it constantly. I've got a number of 12v Milwaukee tools so just bought the bare vacuum. Use the batteries and charger that I already had which made it a logical purchase.

Milwaukee also makes a Wet/Dry battery powered vacuum. Takes the larger 18v battery, more costly and larger but probably more versatile,

Stinger 2.5 gal. 1.75-Peak HP Compact Wet Dry Vac-WD2025 - The Home Depot

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/0850-20

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/0880-20

The shop vac I've found to be good for water I use the 1 gallon Shop-Vac 2030100
https://www.vacuumkoo.com/best-small-shop-vac/ this may help

[owly]

I bought a 2.5 gallon Craftsman a month or so ago for less than $20 at Ace Hardware on sale........ Love it. Small and powerful, easy to handle, etc.

[rbk]

I’ve been throwing around the idea (as mentioned above) about mounting it under the cockpit and running a length of pipe to the v berth and putting a couple pick up points along the way for a cheap DIY built in vacuum. Just attach the hose and one of 3-4 outlets, do what you need and store the hose. No need to drag the whole thing out. Have seen similar in another boat.

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by rbk

I’ve been throwing around the idea (as mentioned above) about mounting it under the cockpit and running a length of pipe to the v berth and putting a couple pick up points along the way for a cheap DIY built in vacuum. Just attach the hose and one of 3-4 outlets, do what you need and store the hose. No need to drag the whole thing out. Have seen similar in another boat.

Yeah, no reason why that wouldn't work.

[Pete17C]

Originally Posted by rbk

I’ve been throwing around the idea (as mentioned above) about mounting it under the cockpit and running a length of pipe to the v berth and putting a couple pick up points along the way for a cheap DIY built in vacuum. Just attach the hose and one of 3-4 outlets, do what you need and store the hose. No need to drag the whole thing out. Have seen similar in another boat.

You'll need to cap the unused outlets