Multiflex Lite 55 SC-18 Light Duty Steering Cable

The Multiflex Lite 55 SC-18-XX is a light-duty mechanical steering cable for compatible powerboat steering systems with engines up to 55HP. It has stainless steel output ends, an 8in / approximately 203mm minimum bend radius and compliance exceeding ISO 9775. Available lengths run from 6ft to 21ft in one-foot increments, with the final two digits of the part number identifying the cable length.

Product Identification

• Brand: Multiflex
• Series: Lite 55
• Model: SC-18
• Part number format: SC-18-XX
• Product category: Mechanical marine steering cable
• Steering system type: Light-duty rotary steering
• Engine application: Compatible powerboats with engines up to 55HP
• Compatible Multiflex helm: H2 Lite 55
• Compatible Multiflex steering system: MS2 Lite 55
• Available lengths: 6ft to 21ft
• Length increments: 1ft
• Part-number identification: XX represents the cable length in feet

What Is This Steering Cable Used For?

The Multiflex SC-18 transfers steering-wheel movement from a compatible mechanical rotary helm to the boat's engine steering assembly. It is designed as the steering-cable component for the Multiflex H2 Lite 55 helm and Multiflex MS2 Lite 55 steering system.

The cable can be used for a compatible new steering installation or as a replacement after the helm connection, engine connection, cable travel and required length have been confirmed.

The maximum engine rating is determined by the complete steering system rather than the cable alone. The helm, cable, engine connection and boat must remain within their individual manufacturer ratings.

What Is Included?

The Multiflex SC-18 is supplied as:

• One light-duty mechanical steering cable
• Selected cable length
• Stainless steel output ends

Not included:

• Mechanical steering helm
• Dashboard bezel
• Steering wheel
• Other steering-system components

Which Steering Helms Are Compatible?

The primary applications for the SC-18 cable are:

• Multiflex H2 Lite 55 steering helm
• Multiflex MS2 Lite 55 steering system

Confirm the exact helm model and cable attachment before ordering. Similar-looking mechanical steering cables are not automatically interchangeable.

Is the SC-18 Equivalent to SSC131 or M58?

Multiflex's supplied cross-reference information maps the SC-18 cable to:

• SeaStar Solutions SSC131
• Ultraflex M58

Cross-references should be used as a cable-selection guide rather than confirmation of automatic compatibility. Check the helm-side attachment, engine-side connection, cable travel, cable routing and required length before installation.

Which Length Options Are Available?

The SC-18 cable is listed in lengths from 6ft to 21ft, increasing in one-foot increments.

The final two digits of the part number identify the nominal cable length:

• SC-18-06: 6ft cable
• SC-18-12: 12ft cable
• SC-18-18: 18ft cable
• SC-18-21: 21ft cable

Select the cable according to the replacement measurement or planned installation route rather than the boat's overall length.

How Do You Measure an SC-18 Replacement Steering Cable?

1. Measure the length of the black outer cable jacket marked D in the measuring diagram.
2. Do not include the exposed output ends or metal end fittings.
3. Add 2ft, approximately 610mm, to the measured jacket length.
4. Select the corresponding SC-18 cable length in feet.
5. When the calculated length falls between available sizes, select the next longer whole-foot cable.

Replacement cable formula: Required SC-18 cable length = D + 2ft.

Example: If dimension D measures 10ft, add 2ft and select a 12ft SC-18-12 steering cable.

The D + 2ft method applies when replacing an existing cable. A new steering installation should be measured using the Multiflex A + B + C routing method, including the required allowances for bends and installation type.

Construction and Design

• Light-duty mechanical steering-cable construction
• Stainless steel output ends
• Flexible cable routing with an 8in minimum bend radius
• One-foot length increments
• Designed for compatible rotary mechanical steering systems
• Exceeds ISO 9775 requirements

Installation and Use

Select the correct cable length before removing the existing steering cable. A cable that is too short can create excessive tension or bends below the permitted radius, while an unnecessarily long cable can add unwanted bends and increase steering resistance.

During installation:

• Maintain a minimum bend radius of 8in / approximately 203mm
• Avoid sharp bends, kinks and crushed cable sections
• Keep the cable away from excessive heat and moving engine components
• Keep the number and severity of bends to a minimum
• Check that the cable moves freely through the helm's complete steering range
• Confirm that the engine reaches full steering travel in both directions
• Verify that the complete steering system is suitable for the engine and boat

Marine steering is a safety-critical system. Installation and servicing should follow the steering-system manufacturer's instructions and be completed by suitably competent personnel.

Key Features

• Multiflex Lite 55 light-duty mechanical steering cable
• Manufacturer model SC-18-XX
• Suitable for compatible powerboats with engines up to 55HP
• Designed for the H2 Lite 55 helm and MS2 Lite 55 steering system
• Available from 6ft to 21ft
• One-foot length increments
• Stainless steel output ends
• Minimum bend radius of 8in / approximately 203mm
• Exceeds ISO 9775 requirements
• Cross-referenced to SSC131 and M58 cable families
• Replacement measurement calculated as jacket length D plus 2ft
• Steering helm, bezel and steering wheel supplied separately