Ultraflex T73 Helm And M66 Steering Cable Heavy Duty Steering Bundle

The Ultraflex T73NRFC, X34 and M66 Zero-Torque Steering Kit combines a non-reversible rotary steering helm, a black X34-series 90° bezel and an Ultraflex M66 heavy-duty steering cable in the selected length. Designed for selected 20–75HP outboard installations, the system provides a 228mm / 9in stroke and approximately 3.8 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock. 

Product Identification

• Brand: Ultraflex
• Product category: Mechanical zero-torque steering helm, bezel and cable kit
• Helm model: T73NRFC
• Helm part number: 38869M
• Black bezel: X34
• Black-bezel part number: 36654B
• White bezel: X34W
• White-bezel part number: 40654C
• Steering cable: Ultraflex M66
• Cable length: Selected when ordering
• Bezel installation angle: 90°
• Steering-wheel shaft: Standard 19mm / 3/4in taper
• Steering configuration: Heavy-duty single-cable planetary rotary steering
• Feedback system: Patented non-reversible mechanism
• Listing application: Selected 20–75HP outboard installations

Which Kit Options Are Available?

• Black-bezel kit: T73NRFC 38869M, X34 36654B and selected M66 cable

What Is Included in the Kit?

• One Ultraflex T73NRFC 38869M non-reversible rotary steering helm
• One X34-series 90° bezel in black
• X34 mounting bracket
• Three M8 x 45 mounting screws
• Three flat washers
• Three M8 nuts
• Two bezel fixing screws
• Steering-wheel shaft key
• Steering-wheel retaining washer and M12 nut
• One Ultraflex M66 heavy-duty steering cable in the selected length

What Is Not Included?

• Steering wheel
• Engine-specific steering connection kit or drag link
• Outboard steering-tube service parts
• Alternative 20° X35 bezel
• Additional dashboard reinforcement
• Installation-specific fittings not included with the helm or bezel
• Professional installation

The kit includes the main helm, mounting bezel and cable components, but a compatible steering wheel and engine-side connection components must be ordered separately.

How Does the T73NRFC Zero-Torque Helm Work?

The T73NRFC uses a planetary gear design and a patented non-reversible mechanism.

When the operator turns the wheel, the helm moves the M66 cable and changes the engine steering position. When the operator stops turning, the mechanism prevents propeller torque from rotating the helm shaft backwards.

• Reduces continuous steering-wheel load caused by propeller torque
• Helps the steering system hold the selected position
• Reduces operator effort
• Distributes steering loads across the planetary gear mechanism
• Provides compact installation dimensions
• Retains direct mechanical steering control

The T73NRFC is a steering system, not an autopilot. The operator must remain in control of the boat at all times.

Which Boats and Engines Is the Kit Intended For?

• Selected outboard installations from 20–75HP
• Leisure boats
• Fishing boats
• RIBs
• Work boats
• Single-outboard steering systems
• Outboards that produce noticeable propeller-torque feedback
• Installations where dashboard clearance is limited
• Dashboards requiring a 90° bezel installation

The supplied application data lists maximum boat lengths of:

• Outboard applications: 9 metres
• Inboard and sterndrive applications: 10.5 metres

Boat length alone does not confirm compatibility. The boat, engine, helm, cable and engine connection must remain within their individual manufacturer ratings.

Can the T73NRFC Be Used With Power-Assisted Steering?

No. The T73NRFC must not be used with power-assisted engines or power-assisted sterndrive steering systems.

This kit is intended for compatible mechanical steering applications using a single M66 cable.

Is the Steering Wheel Included?

No. The steering wheel is not included in this kit.

The T73NRFC uses a standard 19mm / 3/4in tapered steering-wheel shaft. A compatible marine steering wheel must be purchased separately.

• Maximum steering-wheel diameter: 406mm / 16in
• Maximum steering-wheel depth: 127mm / 5in

Check dashboard, instrument and control clearance before ordering a wheel.

Steering-System Performance

• Steering-wheel movement: Approximately 3.8 turns lock-to-lock
• M66 cable stroke: 228mm / 9in
• Minimum cable bend radius: 200mm / 7.9in
• Maximum steering-wheel diameter: 406mm / 16in
• Maximum steering-wheel depth: 127mm / 5in
• Steering-wheel shaft: Standard 19mm / 3/4in taper
• Steering configuration: Single mechanical cable
• Gear design: Planetary
• Feedback control: Patented non-reversible mechanism
• Dashboard installation: 90° with the included X34 or X34W bezel
• Cable connection: Direct fast-connect M66 interface

What Are the Features of the M66 Steering Cable?

• Heavy-duty mechanical steering-cable construction
• Durable black protective outer jacket
• Stainless-steel steering rod and eye
• Stainless-steel engine-side output components
• 7/8in-14 UNF threaded connection nut
• 228mm / 9in cable stroke
• Minimum bend radius of 200mm / 7.9in
• Length selection in one-foot increments
• Direct connection to the T73NRFC helm

Does the M66 Cable Need an Adaptor?

No adaptor is required between the included T73NRFC helm and M66 cable.

The M66 is designed for direct use with the following Ultraflex steering helms:

• T85
• T71FC
• T72FC
• T73NRFC
• T74NRFC
• T81FC
• T83NRFC

Older helm models may require a separate adaptor. Confirm the exact helm model before using the M66 as a replacement cable.

How Do You Select the Correct M66 Cable Length?

1. Measure the black outer cable jacket shown as dimension D in the measuring diagram.
2. Do not include the exposed steering rod, connection nut or metal end fittings.
3. Add approximately 2ft / 610mm to the measured jacket length.
4. Select the corresponding M66 cable length in feet.
5. Where the result falls between available sizes, select the next longer whole-foot cable.

Replacement cable formula: Required M66 cable length = D + approximately 2ft.

Example: If the existing cable jacket measures 10ft, add approximately 2ft and select a 12ft M66 cable.

For new installations, measure the complete planned cable route and allow for gradual bends, dashboard clearance and full engine movement.

X34 Bezel Kit

The included X34-series bezel provides a 90° dashboard installation and covers the helm mounting opening.

• Black X34 90° bezel
• Helm mounting bracket
• Three M8 x 45 mounting screws
• Three flat washers
• Three M8 nuts
• Two bezel fixing screws
• Steering-wheel shaft key
• Flat retaining washer
• M12 steering-wheel retaining nut

The alternative X35 20° bezel is not included in this listing.

Construction and Compliance

• Corrosion-resistant T73NRFC helm materials
• Planetary gear design
• Patented non-reversible steering mechanism
• Stainless-steel M66 steering rod
• Stainless-steel cable output components
• Heavy-duty black cable jacket
• T73NRFC/M66 system exceeds EN 28848 requirements
• T73NRFC/M66 system exceeds ABYC P17 requirements
• Standard 19mm / 3/4in tapered steering-wheel shaft

Installation Notes

Maintain a minimum M66 bend radius of 200mm / 7.9in. Tighter bends increase steering friction and reduce cable life.

Route the cable away from:

• Sharp dashboard openings
• Heat sources
• Electrical cables
• Moving engine components
• Areas where the cable could be crushed
• Long unsupported cable runs

After installation, confirm that:

• The wheel turns in the correct direction
• The helm operates smoothly throughout its complete travel
• The engine reaches its complete steering range
• The cable does not bind
• The non-reversible mechanism operates without abnormal resistance
• The helm and bezel remain securely mounted
• The engine-side connection remains secure
• The steering wheel is correctly fitted to the tapered shaft

Important: Do not use the T73NRFC with power-assisted steering. Do not exceed the maximum horsepower rating specified by the boat manufacturer or the rating of any steering-system component. Marine steering is safety-critical and should be installed by a suitably competent marine technician.

Key Features

• Complete T73NRFC helm, X34 bezel and M66 cable kit
• T73NRFC helm part number 38869M
• Black X34 bezel part number 36654B
• White X34W bezel part number 40654C
• Choice of black or white 90° bezel
• M66 cable supplied in the selected length
• Intended for selected 20–75HP outboard installations
• Patented non-reversible zero-torque mechanism
• Planetary gear design
• Approximately 3.8 turns lock-to-lock
• 228mm / 9in cable stroke
• Minimum cable bend radius of 200mm / 7.9in
• Maximum steering-wheel diameter of 406mm / 16in
• Maximum steering-wheel depth of 127mm / 5in
• Standard 19mm / 3/4in tapered steering-wheel shaft
• 7/8in-14 UNF cable connection
• Stainless-steel steering rod and output components
• Corrosion-resistant helm materials
• Exceeds EN 28848 and ABYC P17
• Not suitable for power-assisted steering
• Engine connection kit not included
• Steering wheel not included

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