| hiya,
If it was really hot and humid, the loss of top end speed is normal. The dings can affect that as well depending on the size and if the blades have been bent.
For the age of the motor, I would think a little end play would be normal unless it was tight the last time you checked. Although, if you have new dings on the prop, whatever you hit could have slightly bent the prop shaft... What tou can do is with the boat on the trailer, put the motor in neutral and manually spin the prop. If the shat is bent, you will know because there will be a place where the prop will contact the lower unit housing. I'm not betting on a bent shaft though...
Im betting heat and humidity. I know my boat loses about 200 rpm and also see the same speed loss as you...and this weekend was really sticky.
Steve
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