Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

[smdavis1004]

What do you all recommend in terms of a good portable air compressor (12 volt maybe) for airing up floats etc, on the water?

Also, what about a good portable vacuum cleaner? 12 volt or re-chargeable to keep the carpet and boat clean?

Any thoughts?

Stephen

 

[NYBo]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

I don't think you're going to find a 12V pump that puts out the volume of a foot pump. It's going to take a fairly long time to fill up a big tube.

 

[Ernest T]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

If you want a good 12 volt pump, skip the ones that plug into the cigarette lighter adapter, and get one that hooks up directly to the battery. The ones that plug into the cigarette lighter do not put out enough air to fully inflate a tube. I've got one like this: http://www.amazon.com/RAVE-Sports-Pressure-Inflator-Deflator/dp/B0024G6BOM You need at least 2 psi to correctly inflate a tube. I've got a Big Mable 2 compartment tube that I can fully inflate in 5 minutes or less with this pump, plus you can reverse it to deflate the tube.

If getting to the boat battery is inconvenient, I'd look for a power inverter and get a good 110 volt pump that will crank out at least 2.5 psi.

We also got a cheap 12 volt vacuum for the boat, but I won't recommend it. It works OK, but not well enough to deserve a recommendation.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

An inverter and a 120v AC pump (high volume, low pressure) made for inflatables are your best friends when it's time to inflate or deflate water toys. You'll be done and in the water about a half hour before the people with 12v pumps are even close. I have a Coleman that I've been using for 4 or 5 years now that works great. Came with a bunch of adapters for different air fittings.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

I a seriously cheap-o inflator on my boat. 12V cig adapter. Similar to this one (but probably even crummier), and it works just awesome for inflating our large tube http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-20000...UQEG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1309872632&sr=8-3 You definitely should be looking for an "inflator" as opposed to a "compressor".

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

Since the infaltors are covered already, as far as a vacuum goes, can you get by with a Dustbuster styled rechargable handheld? Dewalt/Ryobi/Makita/Craftsman/etc all make battery powered handhelds that simply take their respective batteries. Or it there too much floor area of your boat to use this? You didn't list any info about your boat. My boat has a lot of carpeted area, and I use a small wet/dry vac. I have onboard 110v power, but they can be run off af a midsized inverter, but you may have an issue with storage of the unit itself.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

I have nothing but great things to say about the rechargable Coleman air compressors. I bought one at Wally World for less than $20, and it will fill up the tube many times (it's made for inflating air beds) during the course of the weekend. I've never run the battery out and I've not seen a loss in performance over a good 10-20 minutes of use. It fills up the tube in a couple of minutes, so the output is decent as well. Best part is, it's cordless and compact so theres no worrying about alligator clips or 12V sources.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

We have an Intek Double Quick III manual air pump. It's very fast and nice and quiet. Never to worry about charging batteries. Everyone I've lent it to has bought one (I bought one after borrowing a friend's). They don't cost much (<20 bucks) and seem to last forever.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

I bought a 12v inflator, the kind with battery clamps, comes with several adapters, ect. Screams like a banshee, but inflates our single person tub very quickly. One of the best accessory purchases I've made. Sure beats dragging around an inflated tube.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Air Compressor and Vacuum 12 volt maybe? Thoughts?

the ones that look like a small blow dryer work great; as someone said, you want inflator not compressor.

If it's more convenient to use a compressor like gas stations have, there are adaptors so you don't explode your tube.

I wouldn't bother with a vacuum cleaner on a typical pleasure boat. if it matters that much wait until you get home.