My wife and I are ready for a new boat but cant decide on either boat. Obviously the laser is a bigger boat and has more room. Is the laser much heavier? Did the older 257 legends have the hook in the hull and the newer 260s do not? I see most pre 97 legends do not have trim tabs and the 97 and up most do. Also are the older powerquests say pre 95 heavier than newer years sale model?

Found both a laser and 257 we love just need to decide which hull is best.

Thanks

27 Laser with 502 will be a great boat for rough weather running as well as tubing and so on, great overnight size and handles the rough very well, loved my old 27.

I originally was looking for a 27 due to the larger cockpit. At the time we were looking there were not many available. We tried working a deal on one and then the 26 came available that we ended up purchasing. I can tell you the 26 is a beautiful boat with very good handling boat (anyone can drive it) I was told by the dealer as well as others that have had both that the 26 had a little better ride (I myself can't attest). There really two completely different hulls. I've got 16" tabs on mine and to be honest never used them until last year when I switched to a 4 blade prop. And with using the tabs I was able to get another 2mph out of the boat.

Where are you located?

I love my Legend!!! Smooth ride--great cockpit and cabin layout. I get nothing but compliments from EVERYONE who rides in it (seriously). Ive never driven or ridden in a laser so I can only comment on the Legend but I know you dont lose with a Powerquest.
PS--Mine is a 1994 and did not come with trim tabs but I am adding them now. Im only adding them after 2 years because I want the added control (more of a personal preference then something I need).

Just to clarify if I were looking I would still consider the 27 as much as the 26.

We owned a Laser for 9 years before aquiring the Avenger. We loved that boat and used it everywhere, in all kinds of conditions including a huge storm that we were caught in on Lake George while navigating the St Johns in Florida. I guess I would call it a go fast utillity boat because it did everything well, even water sports with tabs down. Good luck and have fun.

I have owned both a 1997 - 27 laser and a 2000 26 legend

and actually went from the 27 to a 26

only due to a great deal on the 26

in my opinion the 27 rode and handled much better
although the 27 had a 502mag
and the 26 had a 454 mag
the amount of space is mostly noticible between the bench seat and the cockpit seats, cabin space seemed to be similar
both boats had tabs, but were rarely used

the 27 with the 502 had a lot more giddy up, the amount of torque was very noticible, the boat ran 68, 70 on the speedo
never had it on a gps.. i would guess 65 because it was faster than the 26

the 26 rode nice also but there was a definite difference
i did have a gps on this boat with a 454 mag and it ran 59-60

if a good deal was to be had on either of these boats . i would not hesitate to buy either one,, although i do see 27s with 454 mags i doubt if i would go with that package

27 if you find a nice one, great boat ! Tabs a must as well as 454 mag or 502. great all around boat.

Thanks for all your input.

Does anyone know the differences between the legend 257 and legend 260?

I also agree with the 27 over the 26. For only being one foot longer you can definately feel the difference. I was tied up next to a 26 last year with my 27 and we both went back and forth checking them out and were surprised as to how much more cock-pit room the 27 has.
In reference to the 257 vs. 260 I believe the only diference is the number. I have heard that it was originally called the 257 because Spring lake in grand haven has a no wake law for boats 26 foot and larger. Later they decided to go to 260 to keep the model numbers consistent like they all are now.
Lastly, if you end up with a choice between a 454 and a 502 in the laser definately go with the 502. It has amazing torque (and sound) and is really the ultimate motor package for that boat.
Hope this helps. Let us know what you end up with.