{"product_id":"uflex-rack-pinion-steering-16-ft-cable-x34-bezel","title":"Uflex Rack \u0026 Pinion Steering, 16 ft Cable, X34 90-Degree Bezel","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eUflex USA's rack and pinion mechanical steering system gives single-outboard boats tight, direct helm feel without hydraulic plumbing. This package includes the high-efficiency rack, a 16-foot steering cable, and the X34 90-degree bezel, everything you need to rig up clean, connected steering on an 18 to 24 foot center console.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUflex USA's rack and pinion mechanical steering system is the kind of setup you rig up once and forget about, in the best way. You get the rack, a 16-foot steering cable, and the X34 90-degree bezel in one package, so a single-outboard boat gets tight, direct helm response without the cost or plumbing of hydraulic steering. It's a high-efficiency rack design, which is a plain way of saying the wheel turns the cable with less effort than the old push-pull rotary setups a lot of us grew up with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo who's this for? In our experience it's a great match for 18 to 24 foot center consoles running a single outboard. That's the sweet spot. The rack and pinion mechanism gives you a firm, connected feel at the wheel, which matters when you're running an inlet or holding a line while someone's working a rod at the transom. If you're running twin engines, this isn't your steering. Dual-engine setups need separate cables and a different approach, so don't try to make one cable do two motors' work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes a high-efficiency rack worth it? It comes down to the gearing inside the housing. The pinion meshes with the rack so the effort you put into the wheel translates cleanly into cable travel, with less lost motion than a basic rotary helm. On the water that reads as a wheel that responds right now when you turn it, no dead spot, no vague middle. For anyone who's spent a day fighting a sloppy old helm in a chop, that difference is worth every penny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 16-foot cable covers most console-to-transom runs on boats in that size range. Measure your actual routing before you commit, though, and here's the big one: keep your bends gentle. A cable core hates tight corners. Anything sharper than about an 8-inch radius and you'll feel it bind up over a season or two, which turns a smooth wheel into a chore. Run the cable first, before you bolt the rack down. It's a lot easier to fish a cable through a console when the rack isn't in the way, and it keeps you from putting a kink right at the 90-degree bezel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat X34 bezel is the 90-degree fitting that mounts the helm to your dash. It's built to sit clean against the console face. If you're retrofitting an older boat, check your existing dash cutout before you drill anything. A cutout that doesn't match the bezel leaves you with a wheel that feels loose and wobbly, and nobody wants slop in their steering. Mount the rack housing level with your engine's centerline too. Get it cocked off-axis and steering torque climbs, so the wheel fights you a little through the turn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMechanical steering is simple, but it's not maintenance-free, especially in salt. Give the cable a shot of marine grease at the rack entry once a year and you'll head off the most common failure we see, which is the cable core fraying where it enters the rack after three or four hard seasons. Check your mounting bolts each spring, too. If they back off, you get play at the wheel that only gets worse. A few minutes with a wrench keeps everything tight and honest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne more tip. Stick with a reasonably sized wheel. Oversized aftermarket wheels much past 14 inches add reach that sounds nice but actually load the rack with friction it wasn't built to shrug off, so the steering can feel notchy. Match the wheel to the system and it turns like butter. For a single-outboard boat that wants direct, affordable, no-nonsense steering, this Uflex package is a solid, honest choice that'll serve you for years if you install it right and keep up with the grease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHigh-efficiency rack and pinion design turns the cable with less effort than a basic rotary helm, so the wheel feels direct and responsive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e16-foot steering cable covers most console-to-transom runs on 18 to 24 foot boats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eX34 90-degree bezel mounts the helm cleanly against a vertical dash face.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMechanical, cable-driven system means no hydraulic fluid, hoses, or bleeding to deal with.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBuilt for single-outboard boats that want firm, connected steering on a budget.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eComplete package includes the rack, the 16-foot cable, and the X34 bezel in one box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMarine-grade Uflex USA construction holds up to seasons of saltwater use with basic annual greasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Uflex USA reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat boats is this Uflex steering system best for?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's a great fit for 18 to 24 foot center consoles running a single outboard. The rack and pinion setup gives you firm, direct feel at the wheel, which is exactly what you want when you're running an inlet or holding a line in a chop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat comes in the box?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYou get the high-efficiency rack, a 16-foot steering cable, and the X34 90-degree bezel. That's the core of a complete mechanical steering setup for a single-engine boat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs this mechanical or hydraulic steering?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's mechanical, cable-driven steering. There's no hydraulic fluid, hoses, or bleeding involved, which keeps installation and upkeep simple compared to a hydraulic system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow long is the steering cable?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe cable is 16 feet, which covers most console-to-transom runs on boats in the 18 to 24 foot range. Measure your actual routing before you install to be sure it reaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCan I use this with twin outboards?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo. This is a single-cable system built for one outboard. Dual-engine boats need separate cables and a different steering approach, so don't try to run two motors off one cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat is the X34 bezel?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's the 90-degree fitting that mounts the helm to your dash. It sits clean against a vertical console face. If you're retrofitting an older boat, check that your existing dash cutout matches before you drill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I keep the cable from binding?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eKeep your bends gentle. Anything sharper than about an 8-inch radius will make the cable core bind up over time. Run the cable before you bolt the rack in place to avoid kinking it at the 90-degree bezel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes it need maintenance?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, a little. Shoot some marine grease at the rack entry once a year, especially in salt water. That heads off the most common issue, which is the cable core fraying where it enters the rack after a few hard seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhy does my steering feel stiff after install?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eTwo usual causes. The rack housing isn't mounted level with the engine centerline, which raises steering torque, or you're running an oversized wheel. Keep the wheel a reasonable size and the rack on axis and it'll turn smoothly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I stop play from developing at the wheel?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eCheck your mounting bolts each season and keep them snug. If they back off, you get slop at the wheel that only gets worse, so a quick wrench check every spring keeps everything tight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRack and Pinion Mechanical Steering with 16 ft Cable and X34 90-Degree Bezel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUflex USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTM87OX16\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e702755059172\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSteering Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRack and Pinion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eActuation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMechanical (cable-driven)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEfficiency Class\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh Efficiency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSteering Cable Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBezel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX34\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBezel Angle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 Degrees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIncluded\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRack, 16 ft steering cable, X34 90-degree bezel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVendor Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUFXTM87OX16\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What boats is this Uflex steering system best for?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's a great fit for 18 to 24 foot center consoles running a single outboard. The rack and pinion setup gives you firm, direct feel at the wheel, which is exactly what you want when you're running an inlet or holding a line in a chop.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What comes in the box?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"You get the high-efficiency rack, a 16-foot steering cable, and the X34 90-degree bezel. That's the core of a complete mechanical steering setup for a single-engine boat.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is this mechanical or hydraulic steering?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's mechanical, cable-driven steering. There's no hydraulic fluid, hoses, or bleeding involved, which keeps installation and upkeep simple compared to a hydraulic system.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How long is the steering cable?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The cable is 16 feet, which covers most console-to-transom runs on boats in the 18 to 24 foot range. Measure your actual routing before you install to be sure it reaches.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I use this with twin outboards?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"No. This is a single-cable system built for one outboard. 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Run the cable before you bolt the rack in place to avoid kinking it at the 90-degree bezel.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Does it need maintenance?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes, a little. Shoot some marine grease at the rack entry once a year, especially in salt water. That heads off the most common issue, which is the cable core fraying where it enters the rack after a few hard seasons.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Why does my steering feel stiff after install?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Two usual causes. The rack housing isn't mounted level with the engine centerline, which raises steering torque, or you're running an oversized wheel. 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