Steering Cable ZTS Helm + Cable Kit

No feedback boat steering kit: Pretech ZTS Gen II rotary helm, 90 degree snap-on bezel and a genuine Pretech stainless steering cable in your chosen length. ZTS stands for Zero Torque System. Once installed, the helm locks out the engine's steering torque so the wheel stays where you put it, giving fingertip control and hands-off tracking. Our customers tell us it is as close to hydraulic steering feel as a cable system gets. Just pick the cable length and add a steering wheel.

Why the ZTS Gen II

• Zero Torque System: almost no feedback to the wheel, no fighting the engine, less fatigue on long runs
• Approximately 3.8 turns lock to lock
• Suits single station boats up to about 7.5 m with outboards up to V4
• Standard 3/4 inch tapered shaft, takes any standard boat steering wheel up to 400 mm
• Fast, easy installation with the supplied 90 degree snap-on bezel; a 20 degree bezel is available separately
• Bolt-in upgrade for standard rotary helms, no new dash holes needed on most boats

What is in the kit

• Pretech ZTS Gen II rotary helm
• 90 degree snap-on bezel
• Pretech rotary steering cable with stainless ends, in the length you select (2.5 m to 7.0 m in 250 mm steps)
• Fitting hardware

Steering wheel not included. Choose a 350 mm or 400 mm wheel from our steering wheels range.

How to measure your steering cable

How to measure a boat steering cable: with the engine straight ahead, measure from the centre of the steering wheel (the helm) along the exact path the cable will run to the centre of the engine tilt tube, add 150 mm for the cable to sit naturally, then round up to the next available length. If the run has tight bends, allow for them (minimum bend radius is 200 mm). If you are replacing an existing cable, the length is usually printed on the old cable jacket near the helm end.

Who should choose ZTS

Anyone who finds their boat pulls to one side under power, anyone fishing solo who needs to let go of the wheel, and anyone with a bigger outboard on a cable-steered boat who is not ready for hydraulic. The ZTS helm removes the torque you feel through a standard rotary helm and holds the engine angle when you take your hands off. For boats over 7.5 m, high horsepower or twin outboards, see our Pretech SteerFlex hydraulic steering kits.

Please note: this kit is assembled by Boatgear from several components, so it can show as out of stock while an assembled batch is being entered into stock. Ring us on 0800 273 9180 if you need one urgently and we will check the parts on the shelf.

Common questions

What does no feedback steering mean? With a standard cable helm the engine's propeller torque pushes back through the cable and the wheel wants to turn on its own. A no feedback (zero torque) helm has an internal clutch that blocks that push-back, so the wheel stays put and the boat holds its line.

How many turns lock to lock? Approximately 3.8 turns.

Can I fit a ZTS helm to my existing cable? If your existing cable is a Pretech rotary cable in good condition, yes: the helm and bezel are sold separately on our Pretech steering helms listing. If the cable is old or a different brand, fit this complete kit.

Does the kit include a steering wheel? No. Any standard 3/4 inch tapered shaft wheel up to 400 mm fits; see our steering wheels.

Pretech steering from a New Zealand wholesaler

Boatgear is Pretech's New Zealand distributor. We hold these kits, spare cables, bezels and helms in Auckland and ship nationwide, usually dispatched the next working day, or you can buy through any of our dealers.