Multiflex H1 Planetary 150 Heavy Duty Single Cable Steering Helm

The Multiflex H1 Planetary 150 Mechanical Steering Helm is a single-cable rotary helm for compatible outboard, inboard and power-assisted sterndrive steering systems. Its planetary gear mechanism distributes steering torque through multiple internal gears, while the powder-coated die-cast aluminium-alloy cover and galvanised-steel 3/4-inch tapered shaft provide a compact dashboard-mounted steering interface.

Product Identification

• Brand: Multiflex
• Model / item code: H1
• Product series: Planetary 150
• Product category: Mechanical marine steering helm
• Product type: Single-cable rotary steering helm
• Steering system: Mechanical cable steering
• Helm mechanism: Planetary gear design
• Cable configuration: Single cable
• Number of steering stations: One
• Primary packaged system: MS1-XX
• Official packaged cable: SC-16-XX
• Official packaged bezel: B1B 90° black bezel
• Published system applications: Outboard, inboard and sterndrive
• Published system engine rating: Up to 150HP
• Helm-cover material: High-pressure die-cast aluminium alloy
• Helm-cover finish: Powder-coated
• Helm-shaft material: Galvanised steel
• Steering-wheel shaft: Standard 3/4-inch taper
• Steering-wheel turns: Approximately 4; manual specifies approximately 4.3
• Maximum steering-wheel diameter: 16 inches
• Published shaft length: 125mm fact sheet; 127.5mm installation manual
• Maximum system travel: 9 inches; published as 228–230mm
• Minimum steering-cable bend radius: 8 inches; published as 200–203mm
• Maximum working load at tiller end: 5000N / 500kg
• Standalone helm net weight: 2.09kg
• Standalone helm gross weight: 2.28kg
• Fixed or tilt helm: Fixed-shaft helm
• Separate tilt version: TH1
• Non-reaction mechanism: No
• Closest published Ultraflex cross-reference: T71FC
• Published Dometic / SeaStar helm cross-reference: None / NA
• SC-16 Dometic / SeaStar cable cross-reference: SSC62
• SC-16 Ultraflex cable cross-reference: M66
• Steering cable included: No
• Dashboard bezel included: No
• Steering wheel included: No
• Engine connection kit included: No

What Is the Multiflex H1 Used For?

The H1 is the dashboard-mounted gearbox in a compatible single-cable mechanical steering system. Turning the steering wheel rotates the helm shaft and internal planetary gear assembly. The helm then drives the connected steering cable, converting the wheel’s rotary movement into push-pull movement at the engine or rudder.

• Single-outboard mechanical steering systems
• Inboard mechanical steering systems
• Power-assisted sterndrive steering systems
• Multiflex MS1-XX packaged steering kits
• Replacement of an existing Multiflex H1 helm
• Replacement of a compatible Ultraflex T71FC installation
• New steering installations using an SC-16 cable
• Compatible single-station powerboat steering systems

How Does the Planetary Mechanism Work?

The H1 uses multiple internally meshed planetary gears that rotate on their own axes and around the helm’s central axis. This distributes torque through the gear set, reduces concentrated wear and converts steering-wheel rotation into cable movement.

The H1 provides lower feedback than a basic direct-drive arrangement but is not a non-reaction helm. The H1N is the separate model with a built-in friction mechanism.

What Is Included?

• 1 x Multiflex H1 Planetary 150 mechanical steering helm

The MS1 manual associates the helm group with an SP-T1 spent-travel tube or plastic sleeve, two FB-H1 flange bolts and an MH1-MT mounting template. Confirm the current standalone retail contents before installation.

Not included unless expressly stated:

• SC-16 steering cable
• Dashboard bezel
• Steering wheel
• Engine connection kit
• Link arm
• Splashwell mounting kit
• Clamp block
• Rudder or tiller hardware
• Hydraulic steering components
• Dual-station hardware

How Many Steering Cables Does the H1 Use?

The H1 uses one steering cable. The official MS1-XX package combines one H1 helm, one SC-16-XX cable and one B1B bezel.

Which Steering Cable Is Compatible?

Multiflex pairs the H1 with the SC-16-XX mechanical steering cable. The XX identifies the cable length in feet.

• Stainless-steel output ends
• 8-inch minimum bend radius
• Exceeds ISO 8848/9775
• Dometic / SeaStar SSC62 cross-reference
• Ultraflex M66 cross-reference

Cross-reference information is for comparison only. Confirm the cable connector, length, travel and engine-side output before substitution.

Is the H1 Suitable for Engines Up to 150HP?

The complete MS1 system is published for compatible outboard, inboard and sterndrive applications up to 150HP. The boat manufacturer’s horsepower rating and the rating of the lowest-rated steering component must not be exceeded.

Is the H1 for Single-Station Steering?

Yes. The H1 fact sheet states that the system is for single-station use only.

Which Bezel Is Used?

• B1B: 90° black bezel used in the MS1 package
• B1W: 90° white bezel
• B2B: 20° black bezel
• B2W: 20° white bezel

The standalone H1 does not include a bezel unless expressly stated.

Which Steering Wheels Are Compatible?

The H1 uses a standard 3/4-inch tapered shaft and accepts a compatible marine steering wheel up to 16 inches in diameter. The steering wheel is supplied separately.

What Are the Published Technical Specifications?

• Steering-wheel turns: Approximately 4; manual states approximately 4.3
• Maximum wheel diameter: 16in / 400–406mm
• Shaft length: 125mm fact sheet; 127.5mm manual
• Maximum travel: 9in / 228–230mm
• Minimum bend radius: 8in / 200–203mm
• Maximum working load at tiller end: 5000N / 500kg
• Net helm weight: 2.09kg
• Gross helm weight: 2.28kg
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C

What Are the H1 Dimensions?

• Front-view height: 137mm
• Left-side dimension to centreline: 86.5mm
• Centreline to right side: 64mm
• Rear/body projection shown: 120mm
• Overall axial length shown: 247mm

What Dashboard Cutout Is Required?

• Dashboard thickness: 12.7–54mm
• Minimum rear space: 130mm
• Central cutout: 83mm
• Mounting holes: Three x 10mm
• Helm orientations: Five positions at 45° increments

Use the current full-size mounting template before drilling.

Are Installation Torque Values Published?

• Bezel bracket: 15Nm
• Helm to bracket: 25Nm
• Cable flange bolts: 6Nm

The steering-wheel section of the manual contains conflicting 17Nm and 35Nm instructions for the shaft Nyloc nut. Confirm the correct current torque with Multiflex before tightening.

Is the H1 a Non-Reaction Helm?

No. The H1 is the standard Planetary 150 helm. The H1N is the separate non-reaction model with a built-in friction mechanism to reduce steering torque.

How Does the H1 Differ From the H1N?

H1:

• Standard planetary helm
• 2.09kg net weight
• 247mm overall axial length shown
• Ultraflex T71FC cross-reference

H1N:

• Built-in friction mechanism
• 2.86kg net weight
• 252mm overall axial length shown
• Global cross-reference to SH5150P and T73NRFC

How Does the H1 Differ From the H1.2?

• H1: Single-cable Planetary 150 helm
• H1.2: Twin-cable Planetary 300 helm

Is the Ultraflex T71FC a Direct Equivalent?

The T71FC is the published Multiflex cross-reference, but direct fit is not guaranteed. Confirm the cable connector, bezel, mounting footprint, shaft position and complete installation geometry.

Can the H1 Be Used with Hydraulic Steering?

No. The H1 is a mechanical rotary helm and does not replace a hydraulic helm pump, cylinder, hoses or fluid system.

Does the H1 Include Engine Connection Hardware?

No. A link arm, splashwell mount, clamp block, tilt-tube fitting, rudder connection or other engine-specific hardware may be required separately.

Construction and Design

• Multiflex H1 Planetary 150 helm
• Single-cable mechanical rotary design
• Compact planetary gear mechanism
• High-pressure die-cast aluminium-alloy cover
• Powder-coated finish
• Galvanised-steel shaft
• Standard 3/4-inch taper
• Approximately four steering-wheel turns
• 16-inch maximum steering-wheel diameter
• 9-inch travel
• 8-inch minimum bend radius
• 5000N tiller-end working load
• Compatible with SC-16 cable
• Single-station use only
• Fixed-shaft design
• Cross-referenced to T71FC
• Cable, bezel, wheel and engine connection supplied separately

Installation and Safety

• Confirm the H1 model and complete-system rating
• Do not exceed 150HP or the boat manufacturer’s rating
• Use one compatible SC-16 cable
• Use the current mounting template
• Confirm dashboard thickness and rear clearance
• Select the correct bezel angle
• Resolve the steering-wheel nut torque discrepancy before tightening
• Maintain an 8-inch minimum cable bend radius
• Keep the cable clear of sharp edges, heat and electrical wiring
• Secure the cable approximately every 2m
• Check correct port and starboard movement
• Check outboard steering throughout the full tilt range
• Recheck fasteners after the first two hours of operation
• Do not operate the vessel if steering binds or develops excessive play

Installation should be completed by a competent marine technician using the current Multiflex, boat, engine and steering-cable instructions.

Maintenance

• Service every 30 days in salt water
• Service every 90 days in fresh water
• Arrange specialist inspection at least every two years
• Wash away salt deposits
• Check fasteners monthly
• Inspect metal parts for corrosion
• Inspect the cable conduit for abrasion
• Replace damaged components before further operation

Key Features

• Multiflex H1 Planetary 150 steering helm
• Single-cable mechanical steering
• Compatible systems up to 150HP
• Outboard, inboard and sterndrive applications
• Approximately four steering-wheel turns
• 9-inch cable travel
• 8-inch minimum bend radius
• 5000N tiller-end working load
• Standard 3/4-inch tapered shaft
• Die-cast aluminium-alloy cover
• Powder-coated finish
• Galvanised-steel shaft
• Compatible with SC-16 cable
• Single-station use only
• T71FC cross-reference
• Steering cable, bezel, wheel and engine hardware supplied separately