Fiesta Deluxe

I've had a Fiesta Kayak I bought at Sam's about 10 years ago and I love it. Works great on rivers, lakes in the bay and even does good in the surf. It's a fun little boat and the price is right. I've added a bunch of small ring cleats with pop rivets and some cris-cross bungy cords on the bow and stern to hold my fishing gear. Although it's a beginner kayak I never saw the need to spend lots more money on a better one.

I don't know what any of you are talking about, but my experiences with this kayak are nothing but bad. We own 7 kayaks and among them 2 fiestas. We never take these boats out unless we have to due to their poor tracking and the shear amount of work needed to propel the boats. Yes the package came with a skirt and paddle, however the skirts don't fit just right and the paddles are very cheap and heavy. Word of advice, DO NOT buy this boat, you will become soon disappointed.

I bought a Fiesta at Sams too and took it out right away to Skilak lake here in Alaska. I have to say its very stable and nimble. Its easy to navigate and was comfortable. I am completely impressed with Mainstream Kayaks. The only thing missing is some elastic tie downs for gear.

I just bought a lime green Fiesta on end of season close out at Sam's Club -- with 220 cm Estuary 2-part paddle and a nylon skirt! I already have a yellow Perception Swifty (over one year, lots of use). The Fiesta looks very similar but has a few interesting differences:

* Cockpit is slightly different shape, notably lower, so it's hard to get knees inside with legs apart.
* No black plastic edging on cockpit, which is probably a plus, that stuff was loose and I had to secure it. Instead Fiesta has a wide molded lip.
* No drain hole, as stated by others, but that's an easy fix.
* Padded seat plus second adjustment strap, could be nicer than Swifty, dunno, haven't floated it yet.
* No cup holder molded into seat, but no biggie.
* Nominally 2 lbs lighter, perhaps a bit thinner plastic? (36 vs 38 lb)

By the way I bought some "1/2 inch" U bolts and put them on various places on the Swifty, and will do the same on the Fiesta. Especially at both ends just inboard of the handles -- requires pulling styrofoam and crawling inside -- but these are very handy clip points for carabiners for tying down, dragging the boat, etc.

I got my Fiesta Deluxe from Sam's Club for $300. I'm a novice and I appreciate the stability and tracking. It has plenty of room in the cockpit and storage behind the seat. It is missing a drain hole and makes it a little difficult to get all the water out after a trip. A dry hold would be a bonus too. But, overall, well worth the money...no regrets here!