Ultraflex C5 Mercury / Mercruiser Generation I Style Engine Control Cable

The Ultraflex C5 is a standard Mercury / Mariner 600A-style mechanical engine control cable for compatible Mercury and MerCruiser throttle or shift systems. It has a 95mm / 3.75in stroke and must be matched to the exact control generation and engine cable ends. Choose from the listed 5ft to 23ft variants. The 23ft option is a special-order size with a stated lead time of up to five weeks.

Product Identification

• Brand: Ultraflex
• Product range: Mercury-style control cables
• Product category: Mercury / MerCruiser-style mechanical marine engine control cable
• Model: C5
• Current Shopify title: Ultraflex C5 Mercury / Mariner 600 Style Control Cable
• Store SKU format: AF-4-C5-XX
• Cable style: Mercury / Mariner 600A-style cable
• Stroke: 95mm / 3.75in
• Available listing lengths: 5ft to 23ft; see exact options below
• Primary application: Compatible Mercury, Mariner and MerCruiser throttle or shift systems using the C5-style terminals
• Official Multiflex cross-reference: EC-005
• Multiflex SKU format: EC-005-XX
• Cable family: Mercury / Mariner 600A style
• Engine family: Mercury and MerCruiser; specified Mariner applications
• High-efficiency alternative: MACH5
• Special-order option: 23ft variant; up to five weeks stated in the supplied listing

What Is This Control Cable Used For?

The C5 transfers mechanical movement from a compatible control to the throttle or shift linkage on an approved Mercury-style installation.

• Compatible Mercury outboard throttle or shift systems
• Compatible Mariner applications using the 600A / C5-style cable ends
• Compatible MerCruiser installations using the C5-style cable family
• Replacement of an existing C5 cable with matching length and terminals

Mercury and MerCruiser also use Gen II cable systems that require C36 or MACH36. Confirm the exact control generation before ordering.

What Is Included?

The selected Ultraflex C5 cable is supplied with:

• One Ultraflex C5 mechanical engine control cable in the selected length
• Integral cable terminals and end fittings supplied as part of the cable assembly

Not included:

• Mechanical engine control box
• A second cable where separate throttle and shift cables are required
• Control-box connection kit unless expressly stated as part of a separate package
• Engine-side clevises, pivots, clamps or adaptors not integral to the selected cable
• Installation labour and boat-specific mounting hardware

Which Engines and Controls Are Compatible?

Ultraflex specifies the C5 for Mercury and MerCruiser engines. The supplied Shopify title also identifies the Mariner 600 style. Before ordering, confirm:

• The control and engine use the C5 / 600A-style terminals rather than Mercury Gen II terminals
• The control box accepts C5 directly or has the specified connection kit
• The selected length reaches the engine or gearbox connection along the complete installed route
• The control-box end and engine end match the required terminal geometry
• The required cable stroke matches the control and engine linkage
• Any control-box or engine-side connection kit is identified before installation
• The cable can be routed without kinks, crushing, heat exposure or interference with moving components

Do not select C5 from engine brand alone. Compare the existing cable model and both terminal ends.

How Is C5 Different from MACH5 and C36?

C5, MACH5 and C36 are separate cable models for different applications.

• C5: Standard Mercury-style cable with 95mm / 3.75in stroke
• MACH5: High-efficiency premium version in the same general Mercury-style family
• C36: Mercury / MerCruiser Gen II cable with 87mm / 3.4in stroke
• Selection: Match the control generation and cable ends before comparing lengths

MACH5 can be considered where the C5-style terminals are required and the premium cable construction is desired. C36 is not a substitute for C5.

What Is the Multiflex Equivalent?

Multiflex's official control-cable cross-reference lists the Multiflex EC-005 as the corresponding cable family for the Ultraflex C5. The Multiflex SKU format is EC-005-XX, where XX identifies the cable length in feet.

• Multiflex model: EC-005
• Multiflex cable range: Standard Mercury / MerCruiser control cable
• Multiflex published travel: 97mm
• Multiflex stated minimum bend radius: 8in / approximately 203mm

This is a manufacturer-published family cross-reference rather than a statement that the two cables are dimensionally identical in every respect. The Ultraflex C5 listing states a stroke of 95mm / 3.75in, while Multiflex publishes 97mm travel for the EC-005. Before substitution, confirm the cable-end geometry, thread, available travel, installed length, bend radius, control-box connection and engine-side connection. Multiflex also advises users to confirm interchangeability before installation.

How Do I Select the Correct Cable Length?

Use the installed cable route and the exact cable-end positions when selecting the length.

• Replacement cable: Check the model and length printed on the existing cable. Where the marking cannot be read, measure the cable from tip to tip and round up to the next whole foot.
• New inboard or sterndrive installation: Measure the unobstructed routed distance A + B from the control to the throttle or shift connection, then round up to the next whole foot.
• New outboard installation: Measure A + B, add 3ft / 90cm for engine movement, then round up to the next whole foot.
• Cable route: Follow the actual installed path rather than a straight-line measurement and allow sufficient space for smooth bends and service access.

An incorrectly short cable can restrict movement or pull against the fittings. Excessive length can create unnecessary bends and increase control effort.

Special-Order Availability

The supplied Shopify data identifies one length as a special-order product:

• AF-4-C5-23 — 23ft: Special order; stated lead time up to five weeks

Lead times are estimates rather than guaranteed dispatch dates. Confirm current availability before ordering a time-sensitive replacement.

Available Lengths

This Shopify listing contains the following C5 variants:

• AF-4-C5-05: 5ft / 1.52m
• AF-4-C5-06: 6ft / 1.83m
• AF-4-C5-07: 7ft / 2.13m
• AF-4-C5-08: 8ft / 2.44m
• AF-4-C5-09: 9ft / 2.74m
• AF-4-C5-10: 10ft / 3.05m
• AF-4-C5-11: 11ft / 3.35m
• AF-4-C5-12: 12ft / 3.66m
• AF-4-C5-13: 13ft / 3.96m
• AF-4-C5-14: 14ft / 4.27m
• AF-4-C5-15: 15ft / 4.57m
• AF-4-C5-16: 16ft / 4.88m
• AF-4-C5-17: 17ft / 5.18m
• AF-4-C5-18: 18ft / 5.49m
• AF-4-C5-19: 19ft / 5.79m
• AF-4-C5-20: 20ft / 6.10m
• AF-4-C5-22: 22ft / 6.71m
• AF-4-C5-23: 23ft / 7.01m — Special order; stated lead time up to five weeks

Dimensions and Fitment

• Stroke: 95mm / 3.75in
• Listed length range: 5ft to 23ft
• Cable family: Mercury / Mariner 600A style
• Special-order size: 23ft
• Stated special-order lead time: Up to five weeks

Check the control and engine terminals before ordering, especially where a Mercury or MerCruiser installation may use Gen II cables.

Construction and Design

• Standard mechanical push-pull control cable
• Mercury / Mariner 600A-style terminal arrangement
• 95mm / 3.75in operating stroke
• Whole-foot length options
• Designed for compatible marine throttle and shift systems

The cable should be routed without tight bends and supported so that the outer casing cannot move during control operation.

Installation and Adjustment

Mechanical throttle and shift controls are safety-critical. Installation should be completed by a competent marine technician.

Before installation:

• Confirm the exact cable model and selected length
• Place the control and engine linkage in neutral or idle as applicable
• Isolate the engine starting circuit
• Inspect the control box, cable brackets, terminals and engine linkage for wear or corrosion
• Confirm the planned route provides smooth bends and clearance from heat, sharp edges and moving parts
• Identify every connection kit, clevis, pivot or clamp required at both ends

During installation:

• Route the cable with the fewest practical bends
• Do not kink, crush, twist, drill, shorten or modify the cable assembly
• Do not clamp the outer casing tightly enough to deform it
• Keep the cable clear of exhaust components, belts, steering linkages and moving machinery
• Secure the cable outer casing at the specified support points
• Adjust throttle and shift travel independently where two cables are fitted
• Use only the connection hardware specified for the control and engine

After installation, operate the control through its complete range with the engine switched off and confirm that:

• The control moves smoothly through its complete range
• Neutral and idle positions are correctly aligned
• Forward and reverse engage positively without forcing the linkage against its stops
• Full throttle can be selected without over-travelling the engine linkage
• The cable does not bind, pull tight or contact another component
• All cable terminals, clamps, pins and retainers remain secure
• Outboard engine steering and tilt movement do not stretch or kink the control cables

Do not operate the boat if the control is stiff, neutral cannot be identified positively, a cable is damaged or any terminal or retainer is loose.

Maintenance and Replacement

Inspect the complete control-cable installation regularly and before extended use.

• Check the cable jacket for cuts, abrasion, crushing, swelling or heat damage
• Inspect exposed terminals, pins, clevises and clamps for corrosion or wear
• Check that the cable remains supported without tight or distorted clamps
• Confirm that throttle and shift movement remains smooth and accurately adjusted
• Replace a cable that is kinked, seized, abnormally stiff or mechanically damaged
• Do not attempt to repair a damaged push-pull cable by straightening, splicing or welding it

Frequently Asked Questions

Which engines use the C5 cable?

Ultraflex lists C5 for Mercury and MerCruiser engines. The supplied title also identifies the Mariner 600 style. Check the exact engine and control.

Is C5 the correct cable for Mercury Gen II?

No automatic compatibility should be assumed. Gen II controls use the C36 or MACH36 cable family.

What is the stroke?

The C5 has a 95mm / 3.75in stroke.

Is the 23ft cable stocked?

The supplied listing identifies the 23ft variant as special order with a lead time of up to five weeks.

Is MACH5 interchangeable with C5?

MACH5 is the high-efficiency cable in the same general Mercury-style family, but the exact terminals and control connection must still be checked.

What is the Multiflex equivalent?

Multiflex lists the EC-005 as the cross-reference for the Ultraflex C5. Use the EC-005-XX format, where XX is the cable length in feet. Confirm interchangeability for the exact control, engine, cable travel, terminals and route before installation.

Key Features

• Ultraflex C5 Mercury-style control cable
• Mercury / Mariner 600A-style terminal family
• Compatible MerCruiser applications where specified
• 95mm / 3.75in stroke
• Available in the listed 5ft to 23ft variants
• 23ft option supplied to special order
• Up to five-week stated lead time for the 23ft option
• MACH5 high-efficiency alternative available separately
• Not the same as Mercury Gen II C36 cable
• Control box and connection hardware supplied separately
• Official Multiflex cross-reference: EC-005
• Multiflex SKU format: EC-005-XX
• Cross-reference compatibility must be confirmed before installation