This paper introduces the preliminary design of the Henan section of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, which proposes the 1:5 simulation model test of the large-scale prestressed concrete ferry structure with a span of 40m and a double-box rectangular section, and analyzes and discusses the key technical problems such as the simulation of the structural self-weight and the establishment of the initial stress state before the structure is subjected to the water load, and the method of applying the water load. The key technical issues such as the method of water load application are analyzed and discussed. The test results show that it is feasible to use the method of adjusting the initial prestress of concrete to simulate the stress state of the prestressed concrete ferry structure under the action of structural self-weight, and that the use of single-cavity and multi-cavity loading bladders composed of single-sided rubber and steel structures can accurately simulate the action of water load in the ferry, and the use of a fully automated data acquisition and processing system is the necessary equipment to ensure that the data acquisition of the large-scale structural model test is synchronized and accurate. The use of fully automatic data acquisition and processing system is necessary to ensure the synchronization and accuracy of data acquisition in large-scale structural model tests, which provides important successful experience for large-scale prestressed concrete structure model tests. With regard to the performance test results of the main components in the single and double tanks, the design methods and structural measures of each component are proposed, as well as the structural design suggestions for further improvement.