It's fine if you use the new Dyson Car+Boat to clean things other than your car or boat
Dyson has launched a new handheld vacuum that looks remarkably like its V8 model without the stick part.
I – sadly – do not own a boat. My guess is that most people reading this are also in the same... boat? Let's say situation.
But Dyson's new Car+Boat handheld vacuum doesn't actually have to be used in either a car or a boat. It's more a reflection on the compact design that can be used to clean cramped locations.
Like all Dyson's stick vacuum cleaners, the Car+Boat is engineered with exceptional detail. The motor spins at 110,000 revolutions per minute to generate the power needed for deep cleaning.
The filtration system can capture 99.99% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns, with a balanced design that makes the vacuum balanced for cleaning awkward locations.
Dyson says the battery is capable of running for up to 50 minutes, though that's going to be on the lowest power setting, and who really uses their Dyson on the lowest power setting? It should still be enough to clean your car.
In the box you get a mini motorised tool, a combination tool with a wide nozzle and a brush, plus a narrow crevice tool.
In all my years of testing vacuums, Dyson's suction and design have always impressed. But the Car+Boat feels a bit too familiar to me. I can't help but think Dyson has simply repackaged its V8 vacuum without the stick component here.
If you compare the specs for the Dyson V8 and the Car+Boat, they both offer 115 AirWatts of suction, a 0.54 L dust bin and "whole machine filtration".
The only difference is in stated cleaning times, with the V8 quoted at "up to 40 minutes" vs the Car+Boat's "Up to 50 minutes".
But the real giveaway is in the promotional images on Dyson's website. This is for the Car+Boat:
And this image is for the Dyson V8:
I asked Dyson about this and I was told that the difference is in the runtime:
The primary difference between the Car+Boat handheld vacuum and the Dyson V8 vacuum is the runtime. The Car+Boat will run for up to 50 minutes of fade-free suction power, in comparison to the V8 with a 40 minute run time. Additionally, the Car+Boat vacuum comes with the Mini Motorised Tool attachment, a compact motorised brush bar to powerfully remove stubborn dirt and hair.
When it comes down to it, I don't actually have a problem with Dyson repackaging one of its most successful vacuums ever for a new audience who doesn't actually need a wand for floor cleaning. Particularly with the meteoric rise of incredible robot vacuums.
But it does raise a question about whether it's the best value offering if you're looking for a handheld vacuum.
Pricing and availability
The Dyson Car+Boat is available now from Dyson Demo Stores and Dyson.com.au for an RRP of $449.
Meanwhile, the Dyson V8 has an RRP of $799, though as I write this it is currently discounted on the Dyson Store to $477.
For an extra $28, you get the stick arm and a powered motorhead for cleaning your home's floors, as well as a trio of attachments for cleaning.
I reckon that's probably going to be better value for most people. Unless, of course, you really need a vacuum for your boat.
Consider showing your support with a donation.
Nick Broughall
