"Hi Mike,
Firstly, welcome
"Hi Mike,
Firstly, welcome to the most informative boating forum in the world. [no, I'm NOT on the payroll. Yet.]
Assuming the engine is stock, they cannot be over-revved when cruising. Unless the prop falls off or when there is no load on the crank. Hence, when running the engine on muffs, do not run WOT when there is no load. This could damage the unit.
So, as it stands, if you're concerned as to the high RPM's, go for a coarser pitched prop if you hitting the high end of the rev band too easily. You'd want to see 5k+ revs when cruising. Back off the gas slightly when on the plane, no reason to hoof it WOT and not feel the difference while burning $$$ in gas bills.
What is the pitch of the current prop? OEM or aftermarket prop? Maybe add another inch or so in pitch to drop the revs.
Keep us posted!"