A vacuum for a boat

RussC · Apr 1, 2018

I decided to follow a couple recommendations on the hang up shop vac but Walmart no longer sells it. I went searching and quickly saw why the unavailability, as the price has almost doubled everywhere else. I suspect Walmart will bring it back later at the higher price (~$50.00). BUT after some searching I found one place that still sells it at under $25.00 , so if you want one, order now before they also "adjust" their price

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/sh...CZAv1QjG-8T8cVOnTK84Eya_uXQP4PlUaAh1UEALw_wcB

SG · Apr 1, 2018

As with shemandr, we use the Oreck compact 110V model. I'm not a fan of mixing the wet vac with the dust. It just recycles the dust around the cabin. Because we have a pretty big boat that usually has two people on board, I lug around a 2.5 gallon wet vac but I never use it for general cleaning. I use it when something happens that's wet or I just have cleanout the bilge or deal with a transducer-to-plug exchange.

In shop vacuum mod, with a filter, it will pick-up saw dust and stuff, but we try not to have much of that aboard :^))). If I have some project that will produce more than incidental saw dust, etc., I'll use the wet-with-filter/dry vac).

I've tried the car 12v and battery vacuums, when I want to clean, I want something that will really pull up the dust and lint. The Oreck is a bit expensive, but it's powerful. There are other small vacs that similar.

DayDreamer41 · Apr 1, 2018

I don't know about what vacuum we use, but I will say I always like the expression, "Will suck start a Harley" now that is some real negative pressure on the floor attachment.

dlochner · Apr 1, 2018

And for those who have kids or grandkids aboard, this is the perfect vacuum. Wonder if it will sort out nuts and bolts too......

jeepbluetj · Apr 1, 2018

I have a 18v Ryobi shop vac I like.

Since you need a bucket on a boat anyway, these work and are quite economical:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-Head-5-gal-1-75-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-BH0100/202017218

CaptKimble · Apr 2, 2018

We bought a Dyson and love it. It is 110 volt however but does seem to hold a charge

Don Lucas · Apr 2, 2018

Scuba diver said:
My wife and I have a 37.5 hunter sailboat, we are looking for a compact vacuum not sure whether it should be 110 V, 12 V or one with the rechargeable battery. What is everyone's opinion on which one to get and which one they like the most. Not looking to drain the kitty on a vacuum but yet want to buy something decent for the price. Thanks

I have a small 110V wet/dry unit and a rechargeable handheld.

seadaddler · Apr 3, 2018

I have many Robi tools that use 18 volt batteries and so have the portable vac and has it’s own charging mount and handy for daily cleaning and also have 110 5 gal bucket type vac so easy to store and handy bucket for cleaning outbilge and any other mess.
Nick

Marc14857 · Apr 4, 2018

I installed a dirt devil central vac inside the Settee. I have a central port and the hose can reach all throughout the boat. Works great

pateco · Apr 4, 2018

We have an older version of this one:

Shop-Vac Micro 1 Gallon 1.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac $35

There are cheaper ones out there:
Stanley 1 Gal Stanley Wet/Dry Vacuum $19

You could also get a Bucket Head Wet Dry Vac Portable Pro Industrial Vacuum Cleaner 5-Gal 1.75 HP $29.44

This uses any standard 5 gallon bucket, and you can then use the bucket for other things when not vacuuming.

seadaddler · Apr 4, 2018

My 18 volt Robi vac flash light drill all use same battery on my boat
and saws all and other tools.
And the bucket top shop vac in HD for I think $21.00.
Nick

RussC · Apr 9, 2018

The compact 2hp Shop Vac recommended by Manly, and others, suited my needs so I ordered one and just received it yesterday. see post 21 for a link to the best price I found (wile it lasts) of ~$25.00 . I could not be happier with it. very impressive suction for such a compact unit, which I believe is due to what sounds like higher RPM than most of the std size shop vacs. my large 5hp shop vac is now obsolete

Skipper · Apr 10, 2018

Scuba diver said:
Hey Skipper, we bought a vacuum you suggested and love it. Thank you very much

Gene S · Apr 10, 2018

DrJudyB said:

That is so true. Every time I start a job I think "what new tool can I buy to do this?". That's how I found the carbide paint scraper and those paint pads to paint along the top of walls. I also found at the dollar store vacuum storage bags for clothes. They really work to store linen on the boat and keep out the sea smell.