I have to glue back some pvc parts that are coming loose around the edges. What is more effective and easier to do: glueing them with the tubes in place and inflated, or with the tubes deflated and taken off? (I have to take them off anyway to scrub between the hull and tubes)
If it's not a repair over a leak and gravity is on your side then in place and well inflated I'd say - easier to line things up, avoid creases and ensure all is in the correct place, plus the tube is one less thing to 'hold'.
I'd glue them on deflated so that you can apply plenty of pressure to the glue from in front and behind, then inflate and leave to cure, do your final clean-up etc. Doing it while inflated will still work, but it's harder to be sure you're getting all the air bubbles out and making a good bond.
It's a good idea to get the PVC parts nice and hot too so that they soften and won't resist sticking to any curves in the surface.
Depends what & where your glueing, if your fitting tapes around a transom say then you've no option but to do it inflated however if fitting wear patches or accessories then placing the patches etc then quickly deflating the tube so you can roller pressure onto something solid will improve the bond. Generally the harder you roll the patches the better the bond. Obviously its usually easier to place things with the tube inflated but you cant get as much pressure on your roller onto bouncy tubes as you can onto a solid object through deflated tubes
