Central Vac

[Trainman]

I own a 2006 3600 Open and considering installing a small central vac. Is there a location and model that is used for a factory installed option? My current thought is below the helm seat using a Eureka "Yellow Jacket".

[trit21]

That seems like a lot of work for very little gain IMO. Small shop vac would be more useful and can be used for water pick up if ever needed, cost is something like $40 and easier to move around. Can also be used in 'reverse mode' to blow up a dinghy which is what we do. We have a 2000 3500 Open and I would never replace storage with a vacuum, plumbing, wiring etc just not worth it IMO. Especially with wood floors, just sweep and done.

[Uhehner]

My 36 Convertible came with a central vacuum mounted under the step going down to the galley. A long hose is stored there along with attachments. There is a 120 volt CB on the main panel. It rarely gets used. Most times I grab the small corded hand vac. For big jobs like cleaning the bilge I use my wet/dry shop vac that is not stored aboard. I agree with Trit21. Capt. George

[Dennis]

I have central vac on my 3800. It is under the bed and does not take away any storage space. It came with a 20 ft hose so I can reach the upper deck. It has amazing suction. I would not install this type of motor outside in the helm area.

[Trainman]

I own a 2006 3600 Open and considering installing a small central vac.  Is there a location and model that is used for a factory installed option?  My current thought is below the helm seat using a Eureka "Yellow Jacket".

Well, I did install that central vac (Eureka Yellow Jacket) under the helm seat of my 2006 3600 Open over a year ago and couldn't recommend it more. With the vac hung below the helm seat, there is no real impact on storage. All I have is the vac hose and tools to store and retrieve for use. It has great suction and the 25' stretch hose I purchased will get anywhere on the boat. No power cords, no vac to store, not too loud, ready to use any time.

I first installed a small board about 4" x 18" from 1/2" plywood with SS screws from the bottom up underneith the helm seat. Then I drilled holes for the air exhaust out the staboard side of the helm seat box and also just below the 120v power outlet for the suction intake valve on the front of the seat box. I put a 120v outlet inside the seat box that I tapped from the existing to plug the unit in. I held the cylindrical vacuum to the previously installed board with two large SS hose clamps around the vac and the board. Note that the vac should overhang the board at the end that opens to easily remove the cover to change the bag.  A few pieces of PVC central vac tubing and elbows to the intake valve and exhaust hole. Extend the low voltage wire from the vac to the intake valve (I added a micro toggle switch at the intake valve in parralel to run the vac with a hose that might not have the metal ring to turn it on). All parts and pieces were about $150 including the hose.

Would highly recommend it!