Design and Construction
The ST retains the standard 360’s basic hull, deck, and interior construction. However, the deck’s balsa core is replaced with recycled PET foam, saving weight and serving as a trial for future models. The hull remains a hand-laid, balsa-cored sandwich, with vinyl ester resin in the outer laminate layer for osmosis resistance. Hanse also uses a lighter adhesive than on the standard boat to secure the floor assembly in the hull.
Despite these weight-saving measures, the ST is heavier on the specification sheet because of its 85-centimetre-taller rig and deeper, heavier T-keel. The keel’s upper section is hollow to lower the centre of gravity, while a more efficient, race-style spade rudder replaces the base model’s rudder.
The exterior has a deliberately sportier appearance, with black deck hardware, black-coated railing supports, a carbon-fibre-clad gennaker nose, and perforated-film hull windows.
Rig and Handling
Hanse’s stated goal is to deliver up to 10 percent more performance under sail through the deeper T-keel, greater sail area, and optimized rigging. The mast rises 17.6 metres above the waterline, 85 centimetres taller than the standard 360’s rig. It carries a 40-square-metre mainsail and a 106-percent furling genoa, providing roughly 10 percent more sail area than the base boat.
Low-stretch Dyform stays control the rig. Laminate sails are standard on the ST but cost extra on the regular 360. A recessed mainsheet traveller offers enough range that testers noted a clear advantage in light winds. Two additional Lewmar manual racing winches—45 mm and more powerful than the standard boat’s—handle genoa sheets led over the coachroof.
The builder says these changes improve upwind efficiency and responsiveness without sacrificing comfort or ease of handling. Hanse also positions the ST as a bridge toward the sportier Dehler models from the same line.
Accommodations
Below deck, the ST keeps the original 360’s flexible layout. Buyers can choose two or three cabins, along with either the standard bathroom or nav-table versions.
The base 360 was praised for offering a spacious interior for its length, and the ST retains that volume while adding sportier finishes. These include subtly black mast support, handles, water tap, and companionway, as well as patterned upholstery, a colour-coded main bulkhead, and contrasting grey lockers. Ambient lighting and upgraded fabrics further distinguish the cabins.
Equipment and Deck Fittings
Standard ST equipment includes the upgraded winches, black hardware, recessed traveller, laminate sails, and carbon-fibre gennaker nose. The cockpit table, electric anchor windlass with anchor gear, and additional deck fittings come from the standard boat’s options list but are included as standard on the ST.
A 29 hp (21 kW) Yanmar diesel drives a single propeller. Tankage comprises 160 litres of fuel, 345 litres of fresh water, and a 54-litre holding tank. The boat carries CE design category A certification for offshore use.
The Verdict
The Hanse 360 ST is a thoughtfully developed sporting cruiser. It retains the proven volume and layout flexibility of an acclaimed platform, then adds a taller, more powerful rig, a deeper hollow T-keel, and a more efficient rudder, all wrapped in a darker, racier appearance.
The PET-foam deck core and lighter floor adhesive reflect a weight-conscious approach to construction, though the boat gains mass where it matters for stability and sail drive. For sailors who want a more dynamic, hands-on experience without giving up cruising comfort, the ST makes a coherent case.
Pros
- Deeper, hollow T-keel and taller rig provide up to 10 percent more performance under sail
- Flexible two- or three-cabin cruising interior remains, with sportier detailing
- Laminate sails, racing winches, and electric windlass are standard
- CE design category A certification for offshore use
Cons
- Heavier than the standard 360 despite its weight-saving deck core
- Sport-oriented deck gear requires more active handling than the self-tacking base model
