Bi-Loup 7.65 Information, Review, Specs

The Bi-Loup 7.65 was in production from 1978 to 1986, with approximately 150 units built during this period. Richard Wrighton, a key designer for Wrighton Yachts, shaped the foundational identity of the brand with models like the 7.65, 1, 8]. The core design philosophy behind the Bi-Loup range, including the 7.65, centered on practicality, comfort, and safety for family sailing, rather than emphasizing outright racing performance. This ethos was firmly rooted in the shipyard's specialization in twin-keel (or "biquille") cruising yachts, a design choice that defines the Bi-Loup brand. The twin keels were not merely a stylistic element but a practical engineering solution, offering enhanced stability and reduced draft.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While designed for comfortable cruising rather than high-performance racing, the Bi-Loup 7.65 offers a stable and predictable sailing experience. Its twin-keel configuration, a hallmark of Wrighton Yachts, provides inherent stability and allows for a remarkably shallow draft of just 2.46 feet. This shallow draft significantly expands cruising grounds, enabling the vessel to explore areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats, and famously allows it to sit upright on the seabed during low tide. Owners and enthusiasts appreciate the Bi-Loup line for its ease of handling and its ability to maintain a comfortable motion in various sea states, a direct benefit of the robust construction and the twin-keel design's contribution to stability. The reported total sail area is 338 square feet, contributing to its performance as a capable cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior layout of the Bi-Loup 7.65, while designed for a 25-foot vessel, prioritizes practicality and comfort for coastal family cruising. While specific interior diagrams for the 7.65 are less commonly detailed in public records, Wrighton's general approach to its Bi-Loup range, even in later models, emphasizes luminosity and a practical arrangement. Typically for cruisers of this size and era, the interior would feature a V-berth forward, a compact head, a saloon area with bench seating that converts into berths, and a small galley with basic amenities. Although the exact maximum headroom for the 7.65 is not explicitly stated in the provided data, a similar model, the Bi-Loup 77, offered approximately 5.90 feet of headroom, suggesting a reasonably comfortable standing height for a boat of its length. The use of robust fiberglass for the hull and deck points to a durable, low-maintenance finish, typical of the builder's focus on longevity and practical use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Wrighton Bi-Loup sailboats, including models like the 7.65, frequently commend the brand for its solid construction and the enduring robustness of its vessels, 6]. The twin-keel design is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, appreciated for the enhanced stability it provides and the freedom it offers to explore shallow waters and dry out on moorings, 5]. Many owners are reported to keep their Bi-Loups for extended periods, some for "10 to 15" years, a testament to their reliability and suitability for long-term cruising, 6]. While detailed owner reviews specifically for the Bi-Loup 7.65 are not widely synthesized in public forums, the collective sentiment around the Bi-Loup range points to a loyal community that values these boats for their practical, family-friendly cruising capabilities and their impressive seaworthiness, making them a trusted choice for those prioritizing safety and versatility on the water, 5].