Vacuum cleaner for long cruises

[mccml]

What portable vacuum cleaners do you like to take with you while cruising on long trips? Which vacuums work the best and which ones didn't work well. I am looking to purchase one for the boat for extended cruises.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[RobMcClain]

I'm curious too. When cruising, and especially boaterhoming, dirt does get everywhere. We had thought about a small 12v vacuum, but it would take up valuable space. We have opted to use Swiffer cleaning pads and they really do a good job. I get down on my knees and use a pad with my hand, getting into the corners and crevices. It really does pick up all the dirt, but small pebbles need my fingers or a slightly damp sponge. Overall I'm pretty happy with the results and the small box of cleaning pads is very easy to store and pretty inexpensive.

Rob

[williwaw]

This one works great. Long cord, reasonable quality, storage bag.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AQEQNA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Dreamer]

We used the 18v. battery powered version of the 12v. B&D from Wiliwaw. If you have shore power most of the time to recharge it, it's a powerhouse and very effective.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Cordless-Pivoting-PHV1810/dp/B003RWTKJA/ref=pd_sbs_hg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0HA4FPZSQJSRKX7MTM6X

[Sea Angel]

I would suggest a wet/dry canister 12vdc type. There are several found with a web search. I have used mine to clean wet areas and it is going strong after 8 yrs. Just keep them clean and check the wires periodically.

art

[thataway]

As Sea Angel we have a small 12 volt 1 gallon wet/dry van. It also does most of the inflation of the dinghy, so dual purpose there. You can suck the last of the water out of sumps etc with this also. Stanley makes one. Ours is a cheap Chinese version I got at wet marine on sale a couple of years ago, but it is surviving.

We have been impressed with the Ryobi one plus Lithium ion battery, and are carrying the (2 million cp) spotlight, a 18 volt fan and would consider the Ryobi hand vacuum, to all use the same battery, and there is a 12 volt charger.

[JamesTXSD]

We have been using a hand held 18v for a while on the boat. Even with a fresh charge on the battery, it doesn't last long. Fortunately, it uses the same battery as my 18v power tools. Last year, Joan bought a corded small vac that really does a good job, a Dirt Devil Vibe...

http://dirtdevil.com/products/details/sd20020/vibe-3-in-1-corded-bagless-stick-vacuum/

I have used it on my "house husband" days, and it works good. We have an aisle carpet in our boat... and a Blonde with long hair, and a long hair kitty. Vacuuming is important. Works good in the cockpit and on other surfaces in the boat.

[Robert H. Wilkinson]

I am a big fan of the Ryobi plus one system that Bob mentioned. Ryobi has dozens of tools and toys that all take the same battery. The flashlight is the only one I use on our boat but around home the tools are

Jim - what battery do you have? My first Ryobi came with the standard battery. I upgraded to lithium - they are half the size - half the weight and last twice as long. When I went to get the batteries - Home Depot had a set on sale - half inch drill, impact driver, 2 batteries and the fast charger for less than the cost of 2 batteries and a fast charger!

OK back on topic,,, I use on of those small dust pan/brush sets for "compartment" areas and micro fibre cloths.

Regards, Rob

[mccml]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I am getting tired of a dust pan and a brush!

[Will-C]

We use the Black and Decker 12vdc plug in model on the boat that was shown in the link. It's been good and stores in a bag velcroed on the floor next to my feet at the helm area. We have a Black and Decker 18v battery model that we use in the house instead of a dust pan. We always have a 400 watt inverter with a six way power strip on the boat so I'm sure that could handle the recharge duties for the 18v battery model. The 18v battery model seems to have the edge power wise. Either one would work great.
D.D.