Flybridge hatch at sea - open or closed

[charmedquark]

There has been a bit of a debate over on another forum about whether to close the flybridge hatch when at sea or to leave it open.
The points either way make sense (stops people falling down the stairs if it’s rough vs ability to get down quickly if needed). I just wondered if there’s any consensus here either way.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I leave mine open, it stays open with the clips that I have. If it's rough enough that people will be thrown around I'd prefer not to be out at all, but if so then driving from the lower helm is likely to be more comfortable and less risky.

 

[Irish Rover]

My powercat doesn't have a hatch, and neither did the previous one I owned.

 

[Hurricane]

I've got 2 flybridge hatches which brings be to the usefulness of the second hatch that allows access to the internal stairs.
under way, we (more or less) use the internal stairs.
Safer and more convenient - easy access between upper and lower helms etc.
But in strong weather, rain or big seas, that hatch will be closed - mainly to keep the internal boat dry.

With regard to the other hatch to the stairs to the cockpit, I've never really thought about it - probably keep it open at sea.

 

[rafiki_]

Open for me. Like SF above, I would not be on the Fly in rough conditions