Jabsco Puppy Series 18660 Self-Priming Flexible Impeller Pump, 12V, 6.3 GPM

Overview

The Jabsco Puppy Series 18660 is a 12 V DC self-priming flexible impeller pump for bilge pumping, livewell circulation, and general water transfer on board. It uses a bronze pump body, a fully enclosed permanent magnet motor with a stainless steel shaft, and a flexible impeller layout that can move water while tolerating small bilge debris.

This pump has a dry prime suction lift of about 4 ft and can lift to 20 ft when primed. At 5 ft of total head, capacity is about 6.3 GPM, with lower flow as head increases. The ports accept 1/2 inch NPTF internal pipe threads or 1 inch external hose barb connections, and two 1/2 inch MNPT x 3/4 inch MGHT adapters are included for garden hose style fittings.

The series is built for 12 V boat electrical systems, draws 8 amps, and uses a 15 amp fuse. The motor meets USCG Electrical Standards 183.410 and ISO 8846 marine ignition protection requirements for gasoline powered vessels, which matters when the pump is installed in spaces where ignition protection is required.

Key features

• 12 V DC flexible impeller pump with 8 amp draw and 15 amp fuse requirement.
• Self-primes from dry up to about 4 ft, with lift to 20 ft once primed.
• Approximate flow of 6.3 GPM at 5 ft total head for bilge, livewell, and transfer use.
• Bronze pump body with lip type seal and a fully enclosed motor with stainless steel shaft.
• Porting supports 1/2 inch NPTF internal pipe threads and 1 inch hose barb connections.
• Includes two 1/2 inch MNPT x 3/4 inch MGHT adapters for common hose connection setups.
• Motor meets USCG 183.410 and ISO 8846 marine ignition protection requirements for gasoline powered vessels.
• Pump head can be rotated 180 degrees on the motor to suit the hose routing and flow direction.

Variants

This pump is offered with two impeller material configurations. The main difference between the variants is the impeller compound, while the 12 V electrical rating, bronze pump body, port layout, and basic performance range remain the same across the series.

Neoprene is the standard option for general water movement, while nitrile is used where oil in bilge water or oil based fluids may be present. Neither version is for gasoline, solvents, thinners, or flammable liquids with a flash point below 100°F.

• 18660-0121: Impeller material Neoprene. This configuration suits general bilge pumping, livewell circulation, and water transfer where the pumped liquid is water based.
• 18660-0123: Impeller material Nitrile. This configuration adds better suitability where oil contamination in bilge water or oil based products are part of the application.

Installation and setup

Mount the pump in a dry, ventilated location because the motor is not waterproof and must not be submerged. The unit can be mounted in any position, but it is better to orient it so any drip from a loose port connection cannot run onto the motor.

Suction lines need airtight connections for faster priming. Use hose that will not kink on bends and has enough wall strength to avoid collapse on the suction side. A strainer on the intake helps keep trash and solids from entering the pump.

Electrical and plumbing fit

Wire the black lead to battery negative and the orange lead through a fused overload protected switch to battery positive. The circuit should be independent of other accessories, and correct polarity matters because reverse rotation can damage the motor and pump.

For short wire runs up to 15 ft, minimum wire size is 16 AWG. Longer round trip runs need larger wire, up to 10 AWG for 40 to 60 ft. Pressure during normal operation should not exceed 20 ft of head, which equals about 8.7 psi.

Use and care on board

This pump is a practical fit for small boat bilge transfer, bait tank draining, livewell circulation, and washdown or utility pumping where a 12 V flexible impeller pump is appropriate. It should not be run dry, since the pumped liquid lubricates the impeller.

Shut the pump off as soon as liquid stops flowing, and do not run it against a closed outlet such as a garden hose shutoff nozzle. Keeping some water in the pump body helps wet the impeller, which supports priming and extends impeller life.