Prop showed up yesterday so here's attempt #2. Made a cardboard pattern to make sure I didn't take more off one side than the other.
It was really gouged so I didn't feel bad cutting it up. I have yet to run it but can always take more off if need be (after I fix my bandsaw which broke halfway through).

Cheap and simple, plastic storage box from Wal-Mart, some tweeking , luxury of hooking up my dust collector to get rid of the sweet smell of 2 stroke, we can all MacGiver to suit our needs

jmhyatt wrote: Moe, I must say that your test prop fits your avatar! You be careful around that thing!

I ain't afraid to try! Plus I figure if I don't make mistakes I never learn what works and what doesn't. I'll still put that chunk of tin on and let her idle just to see how flimsy it really is. I don't need it flying apart and sticking into me somewhere. Ever had a cut off wheel break up on an angle grinder ?

BUT low and behold a rather ragged two blade prop popped up on e-bay so that is on its way and will get cut down.

Moe, I must say that your test prop fits your avatar! You be careful around that thing!

I've thought about that, I did have a chunk of plywood over the end of the tank but it didn't really cover as much as necessary to keep much water in. I'm kind of thinking if I can find a junk prop and cut the blade down to about half the diameter that should work right ? It'll put a load on the engine but just not move much water.

Can You can put a rubber mat over the tank?
I have been brain storming on test tanks my first attempt was a bust. Not over yet.

Unless someone has a junk prop I can carve the blades down . . . . .
I'm totally open to ideas here.

Yes I definitely plan on taking things very easy.

You want to be confidant that wheel will hold together at 3,000+ RPM under the load of 40HP

EDIT: While initially this worked in my head, it's probably not one of my better ideas and I changed direction further down the thread.

While I have a 120 gallon water tank to run my MK 55 in, it will blow a ton of water out so I figured a test prop was in order.
Not wanting to wait for one to pop up on E-bay I figured I'd make my own.
Pretty much just used scrap I had laying around and two 1/8" prop spacer washers. I bought new washers and used the ones that were on my outboard for the test prop, as they were getting a little crusty looking.



Tack welded things up. I'm not set up for tig welding so this as pretty as it gets. Function over form for this project.



Put a few vanes in it, and made a couple bends, paint and done.



I have yet to run her yet but I think it should do the trick. And it only cost me about $12 for new spacer washers.