I have a Legend in the kevlar lay up, for about the last 3 years. It took the place of a Nordkapp hmc. Some of what I like about the Legend: it fits me like a glove with no modifications (6'3" 180), is very nimble with a cruising load (in that it carves turns), holds a ton of stuff.
I bought it for use on multiday/week camping trips, and I rarely paddle it otherwise. I tend to day paddle among the reefs, breaks, caves and arches of northern California, and the Legend is a long boat to have sideways in a surge channel. I will take it out for blue water/point to point/bay paddles, but tend to reach for shorter plastic boats for play. That said, I love it for the longer trips where its' speed, comfort and carrying capacity make it an awesome boat.
I initially found the transition from primary to secondary stability a bit abrupt, but it stiffens and the coming dips into the water. There is a fair bit of space between the back band and and the coaming on the rather high rear deck, but I still my butt comes out of the seat a few inches for a full layback.
Following three months of increasingly learning to play and control the Legend, it has been a very great experience after 5 years of using other types of kayaks.
Directional control can be a bit difficult in the beginning coming from a rudder fitted kayak.
The only problem was the skeg clotting with small stones in locations. This lead to the need for complete removal of the skeg. When doing so it turned out that the screw holding a small tube, that allows a knot to take the skeg up and down is unfortunately made of iron - which rusts within a few months here in Denmark - had to replace with a non-standard stainless steel part. The seawater is a bit salty (1-2%).
Seaward has been noted and will hopefully replace with stainless steel part in future production.
I have had my Legend for about 2 months. Every time I go out paddling I feel a bit more comfortable and am learning the proper way to edge and use directional control strokes. The Legend is a very responsive kayak and I have learned to relax within the cockpit and allow it to do what it does so well.
The build quality from Seaward is far superior to the other boats I looked at. I feel this is a perfect vessel for a beginner with proper instruction.
I got my (FG) Legend this spring as my first sea kayak. At 6' and about 190lbs I found it immediately quite comfortable. I've not taken too much note of boats that I've previously paddled due to their 'freighter-esque' lines and behaviour, so this review is not all that comparative. I've been out around 50 times in the boat now - all day/morning/evening jaunts.
Initial stability has kept me alert since my first paddle. It gets up to speed very quickly and has a fast cruising speed. Edging this boat is really a treat. Seems to react much quicker than an NDK Explorer due to the hard chine. The Explorer seems to have a more pronounced edge resting spot, however. Not certain which I prefer.
It rolls like a dream, and makes me want to roll every time I go out. The low seat band is incredibly comfortable and supportive, although at times I wish the back deck were slightly lower for layback rolls.
The fixed rod in the skeg control is great - flawless, although it has a much shorter stroke than the NDK boats, which may make for less refined adjustability, but it certainly takes up less space.
The Seaward craftmanship is delicious. The Kajaksport hatch covers seem to keep the water out quite well. It's a thing of beauty when sitting alone at rest, or with a paddler inside on the water.
I've not been in severely rough seas with it (yet), but am finding that the skeg adds a nice bit of security when in quartering/following seas. I'm looking forward to surfing with it. Weathercocking is easily trimmed in with the skeg.
Generally, the more time I spend in this boat, the more I like it. As I become more accustomed to rougher water, and relax enough to not work against the boat, I see myself being highly entertained in this boat for years to come.
I have owned over 20 kayaks in the last 20 years ranging from white water boats, surf skis, Olympic K1's, to sea kayaks and doubles and the Legend is the sweetest and most versitile boat I have ever paddled. I currently own a Wilderness Systems Northstar Pro double and a CLC stitch and glue rocket. Both these boats have a place in my basement but still don't have the all round use of the Legend.
I have the kevlar lay-up, built by Seaward in Canada. The construction is first class and I think if I were buying a used one I would try to find the Seaward model. I bought used from a fellow who found it a little too tippy and a "Bit too much boat for him" If you are an experienced kayaker, or a keen begginner in the right weight range then this boat will last you a long time.
It is very responsive to edging and I have found I have rarely needed the excellent skeg arrangement.My previous boat was a Current Designs Carribou S, and while this is a wonderful boat, the Legend is quicker and more responsive.Before buying a Legend make sure you have the right weight for it, too light will be just as bad as too heavy. If you fall outside the recommended range (Both empty and fully loaded) , then consider the other 2 models in the Nigel Foster range
Would I buy a legend again? Yes in a heart beat!