Re-glue or re-do?

[Navygakman]

I have a couple of patches (done by a non-professional) whose edges are lifting. Is it generally better to:
a. just re-glue the edges, or
b. re-do the entire patch?

The only reason I would replace the entire patch is because the original patches were not cut very nicely - the lines are not all that straight and the rounded corners not so round. (OK I am an architect so I am anal in this sort of things...)

Or am I asking for trouble trying to remove a patch that is still tightly bonded?

Thanks!!

[jyasaki]

Judicious heat application (a relative term, I know: Hot enough to melt the glue, but not hot enough to melt the fabric) should soften the glue enough to get the old patch off.

Aged material may not stand up to the pulling required to remove the old piece, though, so inspection as you go is probably wise to ensure you don't strip away the outer layer of rubber.

Most of the 2-part adhesives can be allowed to fully cure then reactivated with heat to glue the pieces together.

jky

[Navygakman]

Here are the patches in question... as you see, an amatuerish job. If this is your boat, would you take them off and re-apply new ones? Or am I asking for trouble and opening a can of worms? Boat/tube is 13 years old.

Thanks!

[paul tilley]

why not reglue all of the edges and then recover with new patches if the old ones are airtight but unsightly