Favorite boat vacuum cleaner

[Mr O]

2.5 gallon shop vac with extra hose. Not only is it good for cleaning up cabin sole and cockpit, but also bilge water, spills, removing water from hoses & cooling system, blowing out hoses and inflating dinghy. Very versatile!

[mcgann454]

I agree that the dyson is more expensive, but the convenience factor means it will get done more often and thouroughly. Lift and pull the trigger. Has a hepa filter too. We have area rugs also. Works on the teak and carpet. Everyone will have different needs.

[a64pilot]

Started out with a 28V Milwaukee vac as I already had the drill to use as a winch handle. Still have it and use it for a wet vac, but now we use just a regular canister house vac and run it off of the inverter.
It has a HEPA filter as well, for a fraction of the cost of a Dyson.
Was at Lowe’s the other day, I saw where Dyson now has a $300 fan.
I can’t believe myself people will pay so much for a name brand, like Dyson, and Yeti. Good products I’m sure, but $300 for just a fan? There were window unit air-conditions for far less.
Sorry, guess it’s a space heater too
https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...HXFmCnoQ8wIIOw

[drummer81]

Lidl hand held cyclonic. It is actually good. Paid 70€. https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/sil...9-lidl-2704932

[Mithril Bham]

My response is unrealistic since I am re-fitting on the hard so have several including a Fein for woodworking tools. I do like the cheap shop vac that fits on a five gallon bucket. Always carry the bucket anyway.

[mcgann454]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Started out with a 28V Milwaukee vac as I already had the drill to use as a winch handle. Still have it and use it for a wet vac, but now we use just a regular canister house vac and run it off of the inverter.
It has a HEPA filter as well, for a fraction of the cost of a Dyson.
Was at Lowe’s the other day, I saw where Dyson now has a $300 fan.
I can’t believe myself people will pay so much for a name brand, like Dyson, and Yeti. Good products I’m sure, but $300 for just a fan? There were window unit air-conditions for far less.
Sorry, guess it’s a space heater too
https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...HXFmCnoQ8wIIOw

Normally would agree. I have a shark at home and not a dyson. I chose the shark based on reviews and price point. I looked at all online reviews and the cordless shark and others like it do not review well. The dyson does not have negative review that I can find. That’s why I went with a refurbished unit with a full factory warranty. It has a beater bar unlike a shop vac that I need for the interior carpet. I have been very pleased with the dyson for the boat and as mentioned my dock mates like it better than anything they have used. They are getting their own. Each of us has different needs and for me, the money was worth it.

[woodyapex]

I’ve just bought the half price large orange and black shop vac from Home Depot . Fitted under the sink and drilled a hole for the inlet in side of sink unit . I can now plug a pipe in the wall and use it like that .

[sailorboy1]

I have 2 vac, a basic 2 gal wet dry that I mostly use for the wet of sucking out the blidge etc. and a handheld Roybi that uses the same battery as my drill. The addition of the Roybi a few months ago has been GREAT for doing quick dust along edges and on the countertop. Anyone without a nice handheld vacuum is really missing out and being dollar foolish, IMO

[zengirl]

Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum SD20005RED Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum SD20005RED
$27
No bags. I've tried hand held before for my Jeep and threw them all away. This one is powerful and I love it. Takes up very little space.

[MarkSF]

I use a Bissel Zing :

https://www.amazon.com/Bissell-Bagge...70_&dpSrc=srch

It's got tons of suction. Really amazing for the size, and fits in a fairly small locker.

For cleanup after maintenance (fibreglass work, varnishing, sanding, etc) I have this Dewalt, which does duty at home and on the boat. It doesn't have as much suction, but has a huge capacity :

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCV581...SIN=B00DD1UQ3Y

[jmschmidt]

I buy the cheapest plastic one I can find which is wet or dry for sucking water out of hard to get places in the bilge as well as just vacuuming. When they crap out I toss them. Cost less than $30, lasts at least 3 years.

[skipmac]

Another vote for Ryobi tool batteries. Every other rechargeable vac I've ever used was garbage.

However the best boat vac by far (if you have an inverter or other source for shore power) is a Ryobi wet/dry shop vac. Has more suction than any other small shop vac. If size is the main concern get the smallest model. Still has plenty of power. If you want one that sucks and blows (inflates a dinghy in a minute) the next size up has blower output as well.

[Dave22q]

Originally Posted by zengirl

Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum SD20005RED Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum SD20005RED
$27
No bags. I've tried hand held before for my Jeep and threw them all away. This one is powerful and I love it. Takes up very little space.

likewise. battery charge is enough to cover full cabin. holds charge very well.

[fritzdfk]

What size inverter for 1-2 gallon shop vac?

[Scrimshaw4]

I've had an AC powered Dirt Devil hand vac on board for 19 years. Works great and extremely versatile. have replaced the belt 2x. That plus a broom and dust pan and all is well. JMHO