We get a lot of questions about the Jabsco Timer Module, especially from Mastercraft owners as they are installed from the factory on 2007 and newer boats. Most commonly we’re asked what does a timer module do, is it necessary, and why doesn’t my timer work correctly?

To answer those questions, first we need to cover a little background on Jabsco (and all flexible vane impeller) pumps. By design, this type of reversible self-priming pump relies on water flowing through the pump to cool and lubricate the impeller. It’s for that reason that we want to make sure the pump is not running without water flowing through it, which most often happens in a ballast system when the ballast tank of bag is empty but the pump has not been turned off. With that information out of the way, let’s get on to answering the most common questions regarding timer modules.

What Does A Timer Module Do?
A timer module limits the amount of time that a pump is running “dry” by automatically turning off the pump after a programmed amount of time (which is set to allow the ballast location to be fully filled or drained). In the case of Jabsco’s Artificial Intelligence Timer Modules, additional functionality, such as monitoring for fault codes and dangerous operating conditions is also included.  All of this is designed to help extend the life of relatively expensive flexible vane impeller pumps and their impellers.

Are Timer Modules Necessary?
They are definitely not necessary, but they can add considerable convenience by eliminating the hassle of having to turn the pump off as soon as the ballast is done draining. Currently timer modules are only available for use with Jabsco Ballast Puppy Reversible ballast pumps, so if you’re using a Johnson Ultra Ballast pump unfortunately you’re out of luck, at least for now. Flexible vane impeller pumps rely on water flowing through the pump to cool and lubricate the impeller. The concern is that when draining the pump can run dry if it is not turned off when the bag is empty. A timer module will take care of managing all of that for you to help prevent the risk of damage.

What Timers Are Installed in my Mastercraft Boat?
If your boat was made prior to 2007 then you have no timer modules in your boat, and can expand, reduce or change your ballast system without having to worry about the timer modules.

If your boat was made in 2007 or very early in 2008 (within the first two months of production), there are timer modules in your boat, and they can be set to run for a maximum duration of six minutes. That means that if you want to add additional ballast in the form of auxiliary bags that are connected to your factory system then you’ll need to replace the timer module with an update version that can run for longer, or deal with cycling the switch multiple times to achieve a complete fill.

If your boat was made after the second month of production in 2008 you have the 20 minute timer modules already, and can easily reprogram them to run for as long as you need. Instructions for programing the modules will be included with the ballast upgrade you purchase from us.

This information is current as of the publication of this article (May 2011), but may change for future model years. Contact us if you’re unsure what you have in your boat.

Conclusion
If you want the additional piece of mind that your Jabsco Ballast Puppy pump will be protected from damage due to negligence on the part of the operator then adding a Jabsco Timer Module can help provide that, while at the same time automating the filling and draining process of your ballast system, so you have one less thing to worry about on the lake.

It is the time of year when ballast projects are in full swing and we understand that ballast pumps are the most expensive piece of the system. For a limited time we will have the Johnson Ultra Ballast Pumps on sale. This sale will end early if supplies don’t last so get your pumps today. Johnson Pumps, the leader in the marine pump industry, developed the Ultra Ballast Pump with one singular goal in mind: to create the best reversible wakeboard ballast pump on the market that will be faster than the industry standard, Jabsco Ballast Puppy Pump.

Durability: The pump has to last, plain and simple. Built with ball bearings, a solid bronze pump head, and built-in thermal protection.
Speed: The Ultra Ballast Pump out performs all other reversible pumps on the market when it comes to speed, filling and draining at over 720GPH.
Flexibility: The compact size of the Johnson Ultra Ballast pump opens a world of possibilities for system design and integration, without using valuable storage space.

Based on our experience with the Ultra Ballast, Johnson has certainly succeeded. Whether for use in a new automated ballast system installation, or to upgrade the pumps in an existing system for faster fill and drain times, the Ultra Ballast Pump delivers. The same connections as Jabsco’s Ballast Puppy makes the Johnson Ultra Ballast Pump a direct replacement in late model Centurion, Mastercraft, Moomba, Nautique and Supra wakeboard boats.

If you have questions about the Johnson Ultra Ballast Pump and whether or not it is applicable for your situation, contact us.

Johnson Ultra Ballast Pump Installation Instructions PDF

The Shurflo Piranha 800 GPH Aerator Ballast Pump is smart, reliable, attractive, and efficient. The tough density nylon housing and heavy duty water cooled motor give the SHURflo ballast pumps unparalleled reliability. Patented anti-airlock feature allows the pump to clear trapped air in rough water or when the boat is anchored. These aerator ballast pumps have a removable cartridge for easy cleaning. At a rated capacity of 800 GPH it has plenty of volume to fill and drain ballast bags quickly. The OEM Malibu Ballast Pump has a 3/4″ threaded inlet connection, and 3/4″ hose barb discharge fitting.

The Shurflo Piranha 35711600 is the OEM ballast pump for Malibu Wakeboard Boats and Sanger Wakeboard Boats. Customers that want to replace the OEM Piranha Ballast Pumps can do so at a lower price than they would see from their Malibu dealer.

Dealer Price: $69.95 | WakeMAKERS Price: $49.95 Buy Now »

The Launch Pad Uber Pump is now the least expensive ballast pump but it is also still one of the fastest at 1,100 gallons per hour. Utilize Launch Pads air release and water tight LINK valve which is one of the best features in the water ballast bag industry. The end of the hose and the base of the pump are designed to fit the quick connect Link valves on each of the Launch Pad sacs. With 9 feet of flexible, transparent tubing and 12 feet of 12-volt power cord, you can fill and drain sacs anywhere in your boat. The Launch Pad Uber pump really is the uberest way to fill and drain your Launch Pad wakeboard ballast bags equipped with LINK fittings.

Was: $69.95 | Now: $49.95 Buy Now »

Was: $195.95 | Now: $97.95 Buy Now »

We are excited to announce a price drop on the Johnson Ultra Ballast Wakeboard Ballast Pump. The Ultra Reversible Pump has exceeded all of our expectations as the fastest reversible ballast pump on the market. Besides the speed, the Johnson Ultra Ballast Pump has a robust design that can handle the rigors of continues usage and has a built in thermal overload for added protection. The Ultra Ballast Pump is the perfect factory upgrade for your Mastercraft, Nautique, Centurion, Supra, or Moomba wakeboard boat.

Was: $214.95 | Now: $199.95 Buy Now »

The Rule Tournament 1100 GPH Aerator Ballast Pump is in stock just in time for those winter projects. When it comes to speed and convenience, nothing can match the Rule 405FC. At a rated capacity of 1,100 GPH it has plenty of volume to fill and drain ballast bags quickly. Installation is make even easier thanks to the 3/4″ threaded inlet connection, and your choice of a 1″ straight and 1″ elbow hose barb discharge. Both fittings are included in the package. This is the perfect pump to make installation of your automated wakeboard ballast system easy as pie.

Designed to last, the Rule 1100 features a rugged outer casing that is impervious to gas, oil and other chemicals commonly found in the bilge of wakeboard boats. Thanks to the quick release cartridge motor design, the entire pump can be swapped out in seconds.

This is a raw component pump designed for use in an automated ballast system, it DOES NOT include the necessary fittings, hose and connectors to be able to fill a portable ballast bag. The hose barb adapter elbow on the outlet of the pump is included, as is a straight version of the same fitting for the ultimate in installation flexibility. The wiring connection is 36″ long, and consists of a pair of 16AWG stranded wires.

$49.95 Buy Now »

New for 2010 the Johnson Ultra Ballast Wakeboard Ballast Pump is finally back in stock after being sold out for much of the summer. Designed to quickly fill or when reversed, drain a ballast tank at a rate of more than 720 GPH which makes this the fastest flexible impeller pump on the market. Besides the speed, the Johnson Ultra Ballast Pump has a robust design that can handle the rigors of continues usage and has a built in thermal overload for added protection.  The Ultra Ballast Pump is perfect for automated ballast system applications or as an upgraded factory wakeboard ballast pump in Mastercraft, Nautique, Centurion, Supra, and Moomba wakeboard boats.

$214.95 Buy Now »

The only complaint about the Ballast Puppy (and any other flexible vane impeller pump) is the price, these high capacity, solid brass pumps are spendy.  Finally we can do something about that, as we’ve been able to negotiate a better price with Jabsco based on our volume, and we can pass those savings on to you.

$219.95 Buy Now »

]]> http://media.wakemakers.com/2010/07/price-drop-alert-jabsco-ballast-puppy-wakeboard-ballast-pump-just-219-95/feed/ 0 http://media.wakemakers.com/2010/06/launch-pad-sumo-ballast-pump/ http://media.wakemakers.com/2010/06/launch-pad-sumo-ballast-pump/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:51:43 +0000 Spencer http://media.wakemakers.com/?p=318 Launch Pad Sumo Pump: For the 2010 Season, Launch Pad has introduced the NEW Sumo Pump. This high speed ballast pump pairs up with Launch Pad's popular Sumo Ballast Bags using the Link Fitting System. Launch Pad’s spring-loaded Link valve creates a clean, water-tight seal that automatically opens and closes when the Sumo pump is used for filling and draining, eliminating water shooting into the boat. The Sumo Ballast Pump is being touted as one of the most powerful ballast pumps on the market. With a fill rate of 100 pounds in 55 seconds your sacs will be full before you can finish applying your sunscreen. When you want a clean simple to use ballast bag and pump combo check out the Launch Pad Sumo line of products. Launch Pad has a Sumo Sac to fit every storage compartment in your boat. Contact us for any questions you may have about the new Sumo Pump or how to weight your boat for wakesurfing or wakeboarding.

Launch Pad Sumo Pump:

For the 2010 Season, Launch Pad has introduced the NEW Sumo Pump. This high speed ballast pump pairs up with Launch Pad’s popular Sumo Ballast Bags using the Link Fitting System.  Launch Pad’s spring-loaded Link valve creates a clean, water-tight seal that automatically opens and closes when the Sumo pump is used for filling and draining, eliminating water shooting into the boat. The Sumo Ballast Pump is being touted as one of the most powerful ballast pumps on the market. With a fill rate of 100 pounds in 55 seconds your sacs will be full before you can finish applying your sunscreen.

When you want a clean simple to use ballast bag and pump combo check out the Launch Pad Sumo line of products. Launch Pad has a Sumo Sac to fit every storage compartment in your boat. Contact us for any questions you may have about the new Sumo Pump or how to weight your boat for wakesurfing or wakeboarding.

Shop Launch Pad Pumps»

Shop Launch Pad Ballast Bags»

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Included in the savings are some Fat Sacs, V-Drive Sacs, Rear Seat Sacs, and even some Inboard Surf Sacs and an Enzo Sac (there’s only one of those, so get on it).  We’ve also got a whole slew of Tsunami Ballast Pumps that are deeply discounted.  These savings are first come-first served, so head over and take a look if you’re up for getting double the ballast for your dollar.

If you have any questions about what ballast might be best in your boat, feel free to contact us.