Great work Zappy! I'm trying something new with a similar large diameter motor that has a 50mm stator, which I hope to reassemble tomorrow. The difference is one sided exhaust on this one. My thought process is to get more air flow through the air gap, so I intake on one side and exhaust at the very perimeter on the other. I've got blades on both covers near the winding to create more turbulence at the windings and stator iron, and to ensure a high pressure region at the perimeter on the intake side to force air through the air gap to exhaust.
Personally, I don't think fans are needed, especially with a large diameter motor along with a small wheel for more rpm. Since you have a temp sensor can you put it to the test and make the same sufficiently long runs with and without the fans on? Your flow restriction across will hurt the fan off results somewhat, but I doubt too much except at very low speeds. Please put me to task when you get a chance. On mine I've got cavernous space, so plenty of room in the spokes, though I'd use centrifugal fans like used for servers if I ever get enough controller to get this motor hot with my natural ventilation approach.
Thru mud and water deep enough to get in the motor??? I hope it proves durable for you. Were you able to butt your exhaust vents against the magnet ring lip, so anything getting in there will flow right back out? Judging by the dirt it looks like you're having lots of fun with it.
John