need advice on the best method for joining a Dumas Creole Queen drive belt, for a scratch built paddlewheeler. Should a percentage be allowed on the total length for tension?

When I build my CQ I found that the Dumas supplied belt didn't have much in the way of "stretch", so I placed it around the pulleys and accurately measured the length needed, then reduced that by 1/4" - It worked perfectly for me...

on my fathers CQ he mounted the drive motor on a spring loaded slider to keep the belt tensioned.

any picks?

I'll try to take some pics. I'm kind of new at posting them though. It may take me till the beginning of next week because of a short vacation. greg