JABSCO or Johnson Impeller pumps?

(fman) · (fman) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 01-31-2011, 2:05 PM

Looking to purchase a couple impeller driven pumps, the Johnson pumps are a little cheaper and have a better flow rate than the JABSCO. Has anyone been using the Johnson pumps? or recommend one over the other? The specs on build quality seem to be very close.

(brucemac) · (brucemac) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 01-31-2011, 2:29 PM

not sure the johnson's are ingition proof, meaning they shouldn't technically be mounted in the engine box...could be wrong, but that's what i remember...

(brucemac) · (brucemac) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 01-31-2011, 2:57 PM

i stand corrected, looks like the johnsons (at least on wakemakers) are now ignition protected...

(spencerwm) · (spencerwm) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 01-31-2011, 5:00 PM

The Johnson Ultra Ballast Pumps are ignition protected. Feedback from customers that purchased the pumps last summer has been really good. We haven't had any issues but they have only been on the market for two seasons. The Johnson's are the way to go if you don't need a switch (which comes with the Jabsco Ballast Puppy) and want a faster pump. Remember too that the Jabsco impellers are compatible with the Johnson pumps.

(lakesurfer) · (lakesurfer) **Join Date: Jul 2009** 01-31-2011, 5:43 PM

I think the Johnson pumps are a better value. I just ordered 4 Johnson pumps for $160 each (so $172 including the $12 switches I got on Ebay)

(jtnz) · (jtnz) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 01-31-2011, 6:26 PM

From what I've seen they basically look like the same pump with different names. I've got a dead Ballast puppy in the boat and have been looking for a replacement the Johnson is cheaper here.

(spencerwm) · (spencerwm) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 02-03-2011, 9:30 PM

The Johnson Ultra Ballast Pump is a little narrower where the Jabsco is shorter and stockier. This size difference is minimal and physically the pumps are a very similar size. The Johnson is an awesome value. The fact that it is on sale right now for pre-season projects doesn't hurt.