Legend Vibe D19 Review

With their amazing ability to combine the seating capacity of a pontoon boat with the nimble handling of a traditional fibreglass runabout, deck boats have been described as the nautical equivalent of an SUV – spacious, versatile, and comfortable. If we add the words sporty to the mix, then you have a good idea of what to expect with the all-new Legend Vibe D19.

The Vibe’s youthful styling masks its tremendous utility, including comfortable seating for 10 people. Its expansive, open cockpit provides a near full-width aft bench seat that offers plenty of room to stretch out, while the port-side lounger allows either forward-facing or inward-facing seating as desired. Up front in the bow, twin loungers nearly wrap all the way around the front end of the boat, creating an ideal spot for quiet conversation.

Its versatile layout gives the Vibe plenty of seating capacity and tons of storage space.

The driver gets a sporty low-back Captain’s chair with a flip-up bolster and an automotive-style sliding base to fit drivers of all heights. All of the seating uses supportive cushioning that offers a perfect balance between poofy comfort and firm support, while Legend’s durable vinyl upholstery not only looks great, it’s treated to resist stains and damage from UV exposure so your Vibe will keep on looking great for years to come.

The bow features a removable cockpit table, while hit-tub style seating in the stern allows two separate living spaces aboard.

One thing the Legend Vibe D19 really has going for it is an abundance of storage space for gear. There’s ample room for PFDs, towels, snorkels, swim fins and other bulky items beneath each of the stern, port-side and bow seats, keeping it all out of the way yet instantly accessible. Even bulkier items like water skis can stow in a large storage locker found right in the cockpit floor.

With both bow and stern swim platforms, the Vibe D19 is clearly built for fun on the water. Note the convenient bow boarding ladder as well.

Legend’s Vibe is clearly built with watersports in mind, as evidenced by its generous front and rear swim platforms – each with space for its own telescoping boarding ladder. The front ladder is particularly useful when you beach the boat for a picnic – just extend the steps and no one needs to wade out into the water when it’s time to climb back on board. The rear platform, with its fast-drying, Marine Mat non-skid surface, includes a thoughtful locker on the starboard side that’s the ideal spot to store wet gear. Need a space to stow the fenders? Look carefully and you’ll spot the thoughtful fender storage racks located right in the engine splash well, keeping those fenders readily accessible yet out of the way.

The helm console is simple, uncluttered, and neatly laid out.

Step into the main cockpit of the Legend Vibe D19 and you’ll note a dedicated storage nook located under the port-side passenger seat, which accommodates a removable cooler. The premium helm console has a large storage compartment in its base for bulky gear, along with a small sink with faucet just ahead of the windshield. The helm is smartly designed with all the essential instruments – a speedometer, tach, fuel gauge, volt gauge and trim indicator – neatly housed together in an attractive central cluster. There’s a Kicker AM/FM stereo with an auxilliary port, driving four marine-grade speakers for excellent sound on the water.

Both the cockpit and bow are surprisingly deep for a 19-foot boat, providing extra security when boating with young children.

The main cockpit is surprisingly deep for a 19-foot boat, which provides a real measure of comfort should the weather turn rough and make for a bumpy ride home. It’s yet another bit of attention to detail that no one will notice – at least until that first ride in choppy water. Throughout the cockpit, a total of eight stainless steel beverage holders ensure a cold drink is never out of reach. Stainless steel grab handles here and there, and an elegant, low-profile steel rail that wraps around the bow provide additional security when underway.

A large in-floor storage locker accommodates water skis and other bulky items.

The Legend Vibe D19 is rated to handle outboard engines of up to 200 horsepower. That’s awesome for larger families who will always have eight or nine people aboard, and who really want to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the boat. But thanks to the stellar performance of its modified dihedral V‑hull, the Vibe D19 doesn’t need all those ponies to deliver a thrilling ride. In fact, it can still raise eyebrows with its acceleration and handling even when rigged with smaller, lighter engines, while delivering impressive fuel economy besides.