adding a vent hole in the hull

[contessaowner85]

I just got a portable AC unit that needs a 5 inch vent. I am looking for a way to make a more permanent place for it on my boat and was wondering if anyone knew if creating a 4 or 5 inch hole little below the rub rail in the hull would cause issues. My boat is a bayliner and the hole would be closer to the bowfront but still on the side right under a port window way above the water line.

[www.stvowners.com]

How big is yoyr boat, I would be concerned that water could splash into it hitting some big waves.

[gsent]

I think cutting a hole for a/c vent is a bad idea. Could you make some kind of plywood template to fit into an open window, and discharge the air that way? Hate to see you ruin a hull on your boat.

[MikeyJ]

I like the window template idea, that way it can be moved or removed later without leaving a permanent hole.

[Yukshamush]

I bought a $99.00 small window aircondioner and put it in the aft widow. Fit perfect with some foam cushon material filing the sides.

[lil buggy]

Yukshamush,
not sure how i missed that earlier,
$99 do tell

[contessaowner85]

I'm going to be putting a portable AC unit in the doorway from the aft bed/cabin to the engine compartment. Then i'll duct the exhaust thru my side vent. it isn't powerful enough to cool the whole boat but runs on my 2000i honda generator which is nice.