Uflex RACKTECH18 RackTech 18 Foot Rack and Pinion Steering System

The Uflex RACKTECH18 RackTech is a complete rack and pinion steering package built for boats where space between the driver's knees and the steering helm is limited, such as ski boats that tend to have smaller freeboard. The system consists of a preassembled helm with steering cable, a shaft assembly, and a bezel, so the core components needed for a rack and pinion installation are included as a matched set.

At the heart of the system is the TM87 Rack Cable, which has an armor wrapped stranded wire core for high efficiency and smooth steering with minimal lost motion. Because the load path in a rack and pinion system directs steering forces to a single contact point, the RACKTECH18 is engineered to work as an integrated package rather than mixed with unrelated helm or cable components.

The RACKTECH18 is recommended for power assisted sterndrives and other applications with minimal rudder torque, and it suits boats with minimal clearance behind the dash where a compact installation is a priority. The package includes an M86 preassembled helm with steering cable, a G86 shaft assembly, and an X34 90 degree bezel.

Specifications

• Brand: Uflex
• Manufacturer Part Number: RACKTECH18
• System Type: Rack and Pinion Steering System
• Cable Length: 18 feet
• Cable Model: TM87 Rack Cable
• Cable Core: Armor wrapped stranded wire core
• Included Components: M86 preassembled helm with steering cable, G86 shaft assembly, X34 90 degree bezel
• Recommended Use: Power assisted sterndrives and other applications with minimal rudder torque
• Weight: 15 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 29.02 x 5 x 17.99 inches
• UPC: 702755019053

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with the Uflex RACKTECH18? The RACKTECH18 package includes an M86 preassembled helm with steering cable, a G86 shaft assembly, and an X34 90 degree bezel, along with the TM87 Rack Cable.

How long is the steering cable on the RACKTECH18? The RACKTECH18 uses an 18 foot cable, as indicated by the part number and the system name.

What boats is the RackTech rack and pinion system designed for? Rack and pinion systems like the RACKTECH18 are designed for boats where space between the driver's knees and the steering helm is limited, which is common on ski boats with smaller freeboard.

Is the RACKTECH18 suitable for sterndrive boats? Yes, the RACKTECH18 is recommended for power assisted sterndrives and other applications with minimal rudder torque.

What kind of cable does the RACKTECH18 use? It uses the TM87 Rack Cable, which has an armor wrapped stranded wire core for high efficiency and smooth steering.

Does the RACKTECH18 come with the helm and bezel, or just the cable? The RACKTECH18 is a complete package: it includes the M86 preassembled helm with steering cable, the G86 shaft assembly, and the X34 90 degree bezel, not just the cable alone.

How much does the RACKTECH18 steering system weigh? The Uflex RACKTECH18 weighs 15 pounds.

What are the dimensions of the RACKTECH18 package? The RACKTECH18 measures 29.02 x 5 x 17.99 inches as packaged.

How does a rack and pinion system differ from a rotary helm? Like conventional rotary helms, the RACKTECH18 rack and pinion system transmits all steering loads to one contact point, which results in uneven wear over time, a characteristic shared by both designs.

Is there a ZeroTorque version of this Uflex steering system? Yes, Uflex's ZeroTorque version of the rack and pinion line is the Accutech, which adds a spring clutch for smooth transition in and out of ZeroTorque mode; the RACKTECH18 does not include this feature.

Why choose a rack and pinion system like the RACKTECH18 over a rotary helm? Rack and pinion systems such as the RACKTECH18 are chosen when there is limited space between the driver's knees and the helm, a common constraint on ski boats with smaller freeboard; where more space is available, a planetary gear rotary helm is recommended instead for reduced feedback and longer helm life.

What is the manufacturer part number for this steering system? The manufacturer part number is RACKTECH18, made by Uflex.