Inventor hooks brilliant idea
WHERE Franco Dallavalle originally comes from, the locals will tell you that he who sleeps doesn't catch any fish.
The Italian, who has been in Australia for 43 years, certainly wasn't sleeping when he dreamt up a concept that would be 20 years in the making.
It was no doubt after a day's struggle on the open water, after hauling in and maybe even tripping over a cumbersome anchor, that this little fish jumped right into Franco's head, the idea for an anchor that was easy to store, compact and hassle-free.
The Rockhampton man has designed the foldaway anchor.
In fact, an earlier prototype has been sitting in his shed for the past two decades.
But now with time on his hands, having sold his garden ornament business, Franco has launched the anchor online.
Made of stainless steel, all you have to do is twist to unfold the anchor and then chuck it in the water.
When you are done just reel it in, twist again and the anchor folds away.
Franco said he'd kept the anchor affordable for all fishermen at $110 and that included postage to anywhere in Australia.
"We've sold anchors north to Cairns, south to Canberra, to towns I've never heard of, Wondecla and Pokolbin," Franco said.
"At this stage we've decided to just sell over the internet to keep the final cost affordable.
"It's been a big learning experience for us and I'm sure that there's a lot more to learn but it's good that something you've had in your head for years is being wanted by other people."
Anchors away
The foldaway anchor is available from www.foldawayanchor.com.au
