It's been a couple years since I last posted, but the waterwheel has continued to operate with no issues besides belt slippage limiting power output.
Earlier this year I spec'ed and purchased a chain drive that I'll install, and will lengthen/widen the blades to take advantage of this no slip drive system. The good news is thata chain drive won't require heavy loads on the bearings by keeping the belts as tight as possible. The bad news is that I recently found that Gates is now making a polychain drive system in lengths long enough for my application.
For a chain drive I need a cover/guard to protect the chain from water, and need a means to lubricate the chain (likely an oil sump). The polychain is a toothed belt system that needs no protection from water and is designed for low rpm torque transfer which describes my situation to a tee.. Too bad!
One advantage of a chain however is the compactness of the sprockets, especially the drive sprocket on the wheel. I've noticed that the deeper I submerge the wheel the more power it makes. I'll be able to lower the wheel into the water at least another foot, which will add significant output. So maybe the chain won't be so bad after all. I just have to keep water away and the links lubricated.
I'll put the chain on early next spring and widen/lengthen the blades before the spring melt. For now I can get everything ready and fab up a chain guard system.
My Nephew did a drone video of the installation if interested -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_adG4e1BCiw&t=47s - No new exciting projects for 2022 though as per the video. Thought I could get the chain drive installed and widen the blades, but had some other things come up that took up my time.