Ran the engine with the 18x8 prop again with my tach, 4850rpm, I was close . Looking through my stash of props I have 3 15x8 props so I'll stick one on and see if it gets me in the range I want to be, I played with a calculator and it looks like it should turn around 6200rpm

now to the pull starter:


Took a Featherlite trimmer, cut the shaft about 1/4" short of the end of the handle, took out the trigger and cable, cut the heck out of the fan housing. Stuck the string spool part in the lathe and trimmed off the teeth until it was round. Found a chunk of 2" PVC then a piece of scrap aluminum that was about 2" diameter and 5/16-3/8" thick (didn't measure), drilled 3 holes for 10-32 screws to attach the PVC and 2 holes for 10-32 set screws (didn't have room for the third set screw but 2 seem to work just fine). I drew a shark fin pattern in the PVC drilling a hole at the corner to reduce the stress point then fitted it to the 18x8 prop on the boat until it fit to my liking. Works like a charm on that 4 stroke engine, starts on the first pull