Which vacuum cleaner?

[Billjratt]

We've had various small and/or rechargeable vacuum cleaners on board, but none have really done the job properly.
Now SWMBO has decreed the search will start again, and has focussed on the Dyson cylinder range, claiming "it would be useful for the stairs at home as well".
I would like to make this the correct and final purchase, but quite fancy the ability of the "henry" (for instance) to deal with liquids as well as fluff and dry debris, but it is a bit big.
Has anyone discovered the 'best all round boat vacuum cleaner' yet?
The power required decrees mains rather than ships DC source, and physical size should be ASAP. It will, on occasion, be used to clean the bilge area, which is a long way down and attracts all sorts of crud.
I'd be interested to hear of your experiences.

 

[kyleview]

Dyson Handheld Animal - works wonders and not too big either.

 

[sarabande]

we have a Numatic Henry with the wet/dry/carpet cleaning system. It can take Hepflo bags (so that no dust recirculates) as well as dealing with animal sick, small floods, and mud, mud, mud.

Easy to keep clean; very powerful suction (you often have to depower it through a rotating valve), and bags are easy to buy cheaply.

We have had it for nearly seven years - flawless, if a little bit noisy, but that just helps you finish the cleaning quickly !


There is a new small wet one:-

http://www.numatic.co.uk/products4.aspx?id=56&r=6&sr=5



And they are made in Somerset

 

[capetown]

You could also have a look at.

Kerstar made in Northampton.

B.V.C. made in Gosport.

We've a noisy Wicks branded wet/dry one that's for boat/garage use, it also has a useful blow facility.

Also have a long pick up hose and site the vac in the cockpit, keeps the noise and dust out.