Ultraflex M90 Mach Low Friction Heavy Duty Steering Cable

The Ultraflex M90 Mach is a patented high-efficiency mechanical steering cable for compatible Ultraflex rotary and planetary steering helms. It combines a 228mm / 9in stroke, stainless-steel engine-side output end, fast-connect helm fitting and a 150mm / 5.9in minimum bend radius, making it suitable for long cable runs and installations with restricted routing space. Choose from black cable lengths between 9ft / 2.74m and 20ft / 6.10m.

Product Identification

• Brand: Ultraflex
• Product range: Mach
• Product category: Mechanical marine steering cable
• Model: M90 Mach
• Cable type: High-efficiency rotary steering cable
• Available listing lengths: 9ft to 20ft
• Supplier code format: 4-M90-XX
• Store SKU format: AF-4-M90-XX
• Manufacturer part number: Varies by cable length
• Colour: Black
• Cable stroke: 228mm / 9in
• Absolute minimum bend radius: 150mm / 5.9in
• Suggested bend radius: 200mm / 7.87in where installation space permits
• Helm connection: Patented fast-connect end fitting
• Engine-side output: Stainless steel
• Engine-side sealing: Patented gasket
• Application: Compatible mechanical marine steering systems
• Multiflex equivalent: No direct manufacturer-published equivalent

What Is the Ultraflex M90 Steering Cable Used For?

The Ultraflex M90 transfers steering-wheel movement from a compatible mechanical steering helm to an outboard engine, sterndrive or rudder connection.

It is intended for:

• New compatible mechanical steering installations
• Replacement of an existing M90 steering cable
• Long cable runs
• Installations with restricted cable-routing space
• Helm stations requiring a more flexible cable than a standard M66-type cable
• High-efficiency Ultraflex T91, T93ZT, T101 and T103ZT steering systems
• Compatible Ultraflex fast-connect rotary steering helms

The M90 is designed to reduce internal friction and minimise steering feedback compared with a conventional standard steering cable. Actual steering effort and feedback still depend on the helm, cable routing, engine or rudder load and complete steering-system condition.

The steering cable does not independently determine the maximum engine horsepower of the steering system. The helm, cable arrangement, engine connection, steering supports and boat rating must remain within their individual manufacturer limits.

What Is Included?

The selected Ultraflex M90 cable is supplied with:

• One M90 Mach mechanical steering cable in the selected length
• Patented fast-connect helm-side fitting
• Stainless-steel engine-side output end
• Integrated engine-side sealing gasket

Not included:

• Mechanical steering helm
• Steering wheel
• Helm bezel or dashboard mounting kit
• Engine connection kit
• Engine steering link arm
• Steering-cable support
• Splashwell or transom mounting bracket
• Tilt-tube mounting hardware not supplied as part of the cable
• Cable gaiter or protective boot
• Installation labour

The exact connection components required depend on whether the cable passes through the engine tilt tube or uses a transom, splashwell or rudder support.

Which Ultraflex Steering Helms Are Compatible?

Ultraflex lists the M90 Mach cable for use with:

• T91: Planetary single-cable steering helm
• T93ZT: Zero-torque planetary steering helm
• T101: High-efficiency tilt steering helm
• T103ZT: High-efficiency zero-torque tilt steering helm
• T71FC: Fast-connect rotary steering helm
• T72FC: Twin-cable fast-connect steering helm
• T73NRFC: Non-reversible fast-connect steering helm
• T74NRFC: Twin-cable non-reversible fast-connect helm
• T81FC: Fast-connect tilt steering helm
• T82FC: Twin-cable fast-connect tilt steering helm
• T83NRFC: Non-reversible fast-connect tilt helm
• T85: Compact rotary steering helm

Before ordering, confirm the exact model number printed on the existing helm. Do not select the cable from the appearance of the helm alone.

The M90 is not the specified cable for the Ultraflex T67 light-duty helm. The T67 uses a different steering-cable system.

Which Helms Require the M90 Cable?

The M90 is the specified cable for the following high-efficiency Ultraflex steering systems:

• T91
• T93ZT
• T101
• T103ZT

A standard Ultraflex M66 cable must not be substituted in a T91 or T93ZT installation. The T101 and T103ZT systems are also designed around the M90 Mach cable and its patented connection.

For T71FC, T72FC, T73NRFC, T74NRFC, T81FC, T82FC, T83NRFC and T85 installations, confirm the existing cable model, connection type and required length before ordering.

Is There a Multiflex Equivalent to the Ultraflex M90?

No direct Multiflex equivalent is published for the Ultraflex M90 Mach cable.

Multiflex's official steering cross-reference identifies:

• Multiflex SC-11: Equivalent to Ultraflex M47
• Multiflex SC-16: Equivalent to Ultraflex M66
• Multiflex SC-18: Equivalent to Ultraflex M58
• Multiflex SC-05: Equivalent to SeaStar SSC219, with no Ultraflex equivalent listed

The M90 is not included in the Multiflex cross-reference table.

The Multiflex SC-16 is the closest standard heavy-duty Multiflex mechanical cable, but it is an M66-type equivalent rather than an M90 equivalent. Important differences include:

• Ultraflex M90 minimum bend radius: 150mm / 5.9in
• Multiflex SC-16 minimum bend radius: 8in / approximately 203mm
• Ultraflex M90: Patented high-efficiency internal construction
• Ultraflex M90: Patented fast-connect end fitting
• Ultraflex M90: Specified for T91, T93ZT, T101 and T103ZT systems
• Multiflex SC-16: Published as an M66 equivalent

The SC-16 must therefore not be advertised as a direct replacement for the M90.

Where a Multiflex steering system is required, the Multiflex H1 helm and SC-16 cable form a separate planetary steering system. Changing to that arrangement may require replacement of the helm, cable, bezel and associated installation components rather than changing the cable alone.

Can an SC-16 Be Fitted in Place of an M90?

Not as a verified direct replacement.

Do not fit a Multiflex SC-16 in place of an M90 where:

• The existing helm is a T91
• The existing helm is a T93ZT
• The existing system is a T101
• The existing system is a T103ZT
• The cable route requires a bend tighter than the SC-16 minimum
• The existing installation depends on the M90 patented connection
• The complete helm and cable combination has not been confirmed by the manufacturers

An SC-16 may provide a similar general steering-cable function as an M66-type cable, but that does not establish M90 interchangeability.

For an existing M90 installation, use the correct M90 replacement cable unless the complete steering system is being redesigned and replaced.

What Cable Lengths Are Available?

• 4-M90-09 / 42898U: 9ft / 2.74m
• 4-M90-10 / 42899W: 10ft / 3.05m
• 4-M90-11 / 42900B: 11ft / 3.35m
• 4-M90-12 / 42901D: 12ft / 3.66m
• 4-M90-13 / 42902F: 13ft / 3.96m
• 4-M90-14 / 42903H: 14ft / 4.27m
• 4-M90-15 / 42904K: 15ft / 4.57m
• 4-M90-16 / 42905M: 16ft / 4.88m
• 4-M90-17 / 42906P: 17ft / 5.18m
• 4-M90-18 / 42907S: 18ft / 5.49m
• 4-M90-19 / 42908U: 19ft / 5.79m
• 4-M90-20 / 42909W: 20ft / 6.10m

Cable length is a product-specific measurement and may not equal the straight-line distance between the helm and engine.

How Do I Measure a Replacement Steering Cable?

Where possible, read the cable model and length printed on the outer jacket of the existing steering cable.

For a replacement cable where the marking cannot be read:

1. Measure the existing cable's outer jacket length, shown as measurement D
2. Add 2ft
3. Select the corresponding whole-foot cable length

For example:

• Measured jacket length: 12ft
• Add: 2ft
• Required replacement cable: 14ft

Confirm that the existing cable is the correct length before copying its measurement. An incorrectly sized cable may have been fitted previously.

How Do I Measure for a New Installation?

Measure the planned cable route in centimetres using dimensions A, B and C.

For an installation through the engine tilt tube:

1. Add A + B + C
2. Subtract 10cm for each 90° bend
3. Add 30.5cm for the tilt-tube connection
4. Divide the result by 30.5 to convert to feet
5. Round up to the next whole foot

For a transom-support or splashwell-mount installation:

1. Add A + B + C
2. Subtract 10cm for each 90° bend
3. Do not add the extra 30.5cm used for a tilt-tube installation
4. Divide by 30.5
5. Round up to the next whole foot

The planned route must also maintain the cable's permitted bend radius.

Cable Routing and Bend Radius

• Absolute minimum bend radius: 150mm / 5.9in
• Suggested bend radius: 200mm / 7.87in where possible

The 150mm figure is the tightest permitted bend and should not be treated as the preferred routing radius. Providing a larger, smoother bend generally reduces cable loading and steering effort.

Avoid routing the cable:

• Around bends tighter than 150mm
• Against sharp edges
• Near hot exhaust components
• Where it can be crushed or trapped
• Through areas where cargo can damage it
• Where it rubs against moving machinery
• With multiple unnecessary changes in direction
• Under tension between the helm and engine connection
• Where the cable restricts engine tilt or steering movement

The cable must remain supported without being clamped so tightly that the outer casing is distorted.

Cable Stroke and Engine-Side Connection

• Steering-cable stroke: 228mm / 9in

The stainless-steel output end must connect to the engine, rudder or steering support using the correct approved hardware.

Before installation, confirm:

• The engine or rudder requires a 228mm-stroke cable
• The tilt tube or cable support is clean and serviceable
• The output end can travel through its complete stroke
• The engine can steer fully to port and starboard
• The engine can tilt without straining or bending the cable
• The steering arm and connection bolt are suitable
• All retaining hardware is correctly secured

Do not shorten, cut, weld or modify the cable output end.

Construction and Design

• Patented M90 Mach cable design
• High-efficiency internal construction
• Increased flexibility compared with a standard steering cable
• Black protective outer jacket
• Corrosion-resistant materials
• Stainless-steel engine-side output fitting
• Patented engine-side sealing gasket
• Fast-connect helm fitting
• 228mm / 9in cable stroke
• 150mm / 5.9in absolute minimum bend radius
• Designed to minimise steering feedback
• Suitable for long cable runs
• Suitable for compatible restricted-routing installations
• Manufactured for marine mechanical steering systems

The patented engine-side gasket helps limit water entry between the inner cable and outer casing. The cable must still be inspected regularly because the output end remains exposed to water, salt and engine-compartment contamination.

How Is the M90 Different from the M66?

Both cables can be used with several Ultraflex fast-connect rotary helms, but they are not identical.

The M90 differs from the M66 through:

• Higher-flexibility cable construction
• Reduced permitted bend radius
• Patented high-efficiency design
• Patented engine-side sealing arrangement
• Suitability for T91 and T93ZT helms
• Required use in T101 and T103ZT systems
• Improved suitability for long or complex cable routes

The M66 remains a standard heavy-duty steering cable and has a direct Multiflex equivalent in the SC-16. The M90 does not have a published direct Multiflex equivalent.

Standards and Complete-System Compliance

Ultraflex states that its M90-based T101 and T103ZT steering systems exceed:

• EN 28848
• ABYC P17

These standards apply to the specified complete steering-system configuration rather than establishing that any combination of helm, cable and connection hardware is compliant.

The cable must be installed with:

• A compatible helm
• The correct engine or rudder connection
• Correctly rated mounting hardware
• A steering wheel within the helm's permitted dimensions
• A cable route within the stated bend limits
• A boat and engine combination within the complete system rating

Installation and Use

Mechanical steering is safety-critical. Installation should be carried out by a competent marine technician.

Before installation:

• Confirm the exact helm model
• Confirm that the helm accepts the M90 cable
• Confirm the required cable length
• Inspect the helm connection
• Inspect the engine tilt tube or steering support
• Check the complete planned cable route
• Confirm all bends remain within the permitted radius
• Inspect the steering arm and connection hardware
• Confirm that the boat and engine remain within their stated ratings

During installation:

• Do not force the cable through a restricted route
• Do not kink the outer casing
• Do not hammer the cable output end
• Do not use the cable as a lifting point
• Keep dirt and abrasive contamination away from the output rod
• Engage the patented helm fitting fully
• Secure the engine-side connection using the specified hardware
• Keep the cable clear of heat, sharp edges and moving components

After installation:

• Turn the wheel fully from port to starboard several times
• Confirm smooth movement throughout the full range
• Check that the engine or rudder reaches both steering limits
• Check that the cable does not bind
• Confirm that engine tilt movement does not pull or kink the cable
• Verify that the helm connection remains secure
• Inspect the engine-side retaining hardware
• Check for abnormal free movement
• Confirm that no component contacts the dashboard, transom or engine cowling

Replace the cable if it is kinked, corroded, seized, abnormally stiff or mechanically damaged. Do not attempt to straighten a damaged cable casing or output rod.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ultraflex M90 have a direct Multiflex equivalent?

No. Multiflex does not publish a direct equivalent to the M90. Its SC-16 cable is cross-referenced to the Ultraflex M66, not the M90.

Is the Multiflex SC-16 the same as the M90?

No. The SC-16 is an M66-type equivalent with an 8in minimum bend radius. The M90 uses a patented high-efficiency design and has a 150mm / 5.9in minimum bend radius.

Can I fit an M66 cable to a T91 or T93ZT helm?

No. The M90 is the specified cable for the T91 and T93ZT. An M66 must not be substituted.

Which cable is required for the T101 and T103ZT systems?

The T101 and T103ZT systems are designed to use the Ultraflex M90 Mach cable.

Is the M90 compatible with the T67 helm?

No. The M90 is not the specified cable for the T67 light-duty steering system.

Is a steering helm included?

No. This listing covers the selected M90 cable only. The helm, steering wheel, bezel and engine connection components are supplied separately.

What is the cable stroke?

The M90 has a 228mm / 9in stroke.

What is the minimum bend radius?

The absolute minimum is 150mm / 5.9in. A 200mm / 7.87in radius is recommended where installation space permits.

How do I identify the existing cable length?

Check the marking printed on the cable jacket. Where it is unreadable, measure the outer jacket and add 2ft.

Does the cable determine the maximum engine horsepower?

No. Maximum engine capacity depends on the complete helm, cable, engine connection and boat specification.

Key Features

• Ultraflex M90 Mach mechanical steering cable
• Patented high-efficiency cable design
• Available in 9ft to 20ft lengths
• Black protective outer jacket
• 228mm / 9in steering stroke
• 150mm / 5.9in absolute minimum bend radius
• 200mm / 7.87in suggested bend radius
• Suitable for long cable runs
• Suitable for compatible restricted-routing installations
• Patented fast-connect helm fitting
• Stainless-steel engine-side output end
• Patented engine-side gasket
• Corrosion-resistant construction
• Designed to minimise steering feedback
• Compatible with T91 and T93ZT helms
• Required cable for T101 and T103ZT systems
• Compatible with selected Ultraflex fast-connect rotary helms
• No direct manufacturer-published Multiflex equivalent
• Multiflex SC-16 is an M66 equivalent, not an M90 equivalent
• Steering helm and engine connection components supplied separately
• Complete steering-system compatibility must be confirmed before installation

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