Designed by Tim Stearn and introduced in 1971, it is still in use on thousands of yachts worldwide. The popularity of the Hyde system was largely due to the large charter boat operations, who embraced it early on for its bulletproof nature, easy maintenance attributes, and its unmatched reliability. Although new systems are still being made, we frequently get calls from people who bought a used one or who found a system abandoned in a boatyard. Less stretch means less headstay sag and greater sail efficiency. High Torsional strength of the rod is equivalent to hollow sectional systems many times larger in diameter.
Solid rod is much stronger and more impact resistant than hollow systems.
Even the travel-lift can't hurt it. Round rod profile furls easier than any non-round section. Type 316 Stainless Steel rod end components are machined from solid bar for strength, reliability and a virtually permanent life span. End fittings are permanently attached to the rod, but are reusable in the event that a system needs to be shortened, or the rod replaced. This combination of innovative design engineering and careful selection of materials results in a furling system that weighs less than any sectional system available today.