Compare Expedition Sea Kayaks

The Salamander by Australis

The information below has been collected from reference sources of the relevant manufacturers.
Care has been taken in the compiling of this data, and Australis believe it to be an accurate and correct representation of each kayak.
This information was compiled on 20 November 2006.

About the Salamander by Australis

• The Salamander is a 5.2 metre expedition sea kayak. It is suitable for paddling for extended distances and periods of time.

• There are 3 separate storage areas, including a day hatch that can be accessed whilst on the water.

• The multi-chined hull makes the Salamander very stable in rough conditions, whilst also making it fast to paddle and very responsive when quick turning is required.

Salamander by Australis compared to the Squall by Current Designs

• The Salamander is wider and longer than the Squall, making it more suited to larger paddlers.

• The Salamander has a multi-chined hull rather than a "round" hull. This means that it has "secondary" stability as well as "primary" stability, making it more stable than the Squall in rougher conditions

• The Salamander has 3 bulkhead sealed storage areas including a "day hatch" that can be accessed whilst on the water, compared to 2 areas in the Squall that can only be accessed when you are out of the kayak.

• The Salamander has rubber push-on hatches that are easier to get on than neoprene covers and that will hold firmly without having to fuss with clips and buckles over hard covers. Rubber push-on hatches also give a more water tight seal.

• Both kayaks have bungy on the front deck for storage.

• Both kayaks have decklines on the front and rear deck for extra places to secure "top-stowed" items and to grab onto during rescue procedures, although the Salamander has 6mm thick lines.

• The Salamander has a fixed footpad (for firm bracing) with a hinged flap steering system rather than sliding footrests that need to be held parallel for the kayak to run straight.

• The raise/lower rudder controls for the Salamander are located on the front deck for maximum stability rather than offset to one side and behind the paddler.

• The Salamander has a "proper" thigh brace that can be removed if not required.
  The thigh brace of the Squall is moulded in as part of the hull and can not be removed.

Salamander by Australis compared to the Storm by Current Designs

• The Salamander has a multi-chined hull rather than a "round" hull. This means that it has "secondary" stability as well as "primary" stability, making it more stable than the Storm in rougher conditions

• The Salamander has 3 bulkhead sealed storage areas including a "day hatch" that can be accessed whilst on the water, compared to 2 areas in the Storm that can only be accessed when you are out of the kayak.

• The Salamander has rubber push-on hatches that are easier to get on than neoprene covers and that will hold firmly without having to fuss with clips and buckles over hard covers. Rubber push-on hatches also give a more water tight seal.

• Both kayaks have bungy on the front deck for storage.

• Both kayaks have decklines on the front and rear deck for extra places to secure "top-stowed" items and to grab onto during rescue procedures, although the Salamander has 6mm thick lines.

• The Salamander has a fixed footpad (for firm bracing) with a hinged flap steering system rather than sliding footrests that need to be held parallel for the kayak to run straight.

• The raise/lower rudder controls for the Salamander are located on the front deck for maximum stability rather than offset to one side and behind the paddler.

• The Salamander has a "proper" thigh brace that can be removed if not required.
  The thigh brace of the Storm is moulded in as part of the hull and can not be removed.