What Size/Style Bilge Shop Vac ? ? ?

Looks like a nice machine.

 

Dam @Carpediem44DB I like that. Thank you for sharing. That is on the list to get for sure!

I have been using the one @Shoyrtt has. But I like the idea of the pump out when warranted.

 

I've gone to the Ryobi One+ 18V cordless line of tools, and they make a number of 18V vacs. This 3 gallon item works great on the boat, but that item that @Carpediem44DB posted with the auto pump-out is intriguing!

 

This is what I have. Nice and small.
https://www.stanleytools.com/produc...-dry-vacuums/4-gallon-4-max-hp-vacuum/sl18129

 

I have this Dewalt corded/cordless model on-board: www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/dust-management/dust-extractors-and-vacs/20v-max-cordlesscorded-wetdry-vacuum-tool-only/dcv581h.



It works really well and is handy to be able to just pop a battery in for quick jobs.

There are times where I wish it had a little more capacity. Bucket Head is a good idea...maybe I'll stash one for larger jobs!

 

That's the one I have. It's so nice having multiple tools that run on a single battery system. I also have their drill and a pump I use to pump out the dinghy when it rains.

 

Yep, works great, only down side is there are more attachments to keep track of. I misplaced the down tube and water pick up on mine when it was configured as a dry vac, so I have to try and order a replacement
CD

 

I only use a shop vac once or twice a year when cleaning. I have a small 2.5gl and I carry down a bucket to dump it in….a lot easier with two small things then one big thing

 

Bucket head for me.....love that thing

 

Interesting topic. Craftsman Clean and Carry 2 gallon. Small enough to fit in cabinet behind port side icemaker and still leave room for trash can. Can be used wet or dry, and blows (can also be used to blow things up, purge water from AC lines when winterizing, etc...).

For large wet jobs, i have a 4 gallon bucket that i put in-line on the hose and it collects the liquid. I keep the bucket at home and normally only bring to boat when doing maintenance that will result in liquids in the bilge; and for winterizing.

Why do i need a shop vac in addition to built in vacuum?? Liquids and biggest reason is sand flies and other minor insect outbreaks that occur on the Great Lakes. If you use your built in vacuum for this, you will find that within a couple days of vacuuming up these critters your boat cabin will smell like a wet dog. I never use Beam vac for cleaning up these outbreaks.

 

Well, my boat does not have a built in vacuum so for me that is why. I have been debating using a small shop vac "plumbed in" under the forward berth as an alternative to a built in. One that I can pull out and use in the bilge, or just plug in a hose and use it like a beam. Or maybe just buy a Beam RV vac I guess. So many ideas and so little time.

 

I have a central vac onboard and initially thought it to be the best thing since sliced bread. But now....we almost never use it. With the availability of affordable and high performing rechargeable "dust busters" these days the central vac has gone by the wayside.

One good handheld vac with the right attachments and you'll never want to deal with the central vac hose again...

 

This is what I have, worked good the last 5 summers

 

You are probably right. We have a couple of those Dyson sticks that have hand attachments. I have a corded "Red Devil" handheld on the boat too. Its the carpet in the cabin that is hard to get clean with those though. Maybe once I put solid flooring in I will be able to get by with just a rechargeable.

 

I have the same one on my 46 DA. Works great.

 

This!

 

agree with the smaller is better thoughts. We use a 2.5 gallon vac for everything. The bilge and doing the salon floor. It's also a good size for cars.

 

I have tried a Rigid 6 gal shop vac (powerful but way to big and bulky), Craftsman 3 gal shop vac Plenty of power and capacity (similar to the bucket vac) but the rolling castors and tall height don't work well with carpet and bilge water. My favorite so far is the Ryobi 18v cordless shop vac. Low profile small capacity but after sloshing water around in my 6 gallon I will just make more trips. At home I have replaced my 60 gal air compressor with Ryobi coreless everything so I always have spare batteries on hand. (the 1100 ft lb brushless 1/2 impact is savage). I will use it for vacuuming and inflating/deflating inflatable toys.

https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/33287173334