is this a spun prop nut?

My Force 50 was running about 23mph for several outtings. I took the boat out to a saltwater sound, motor ran fine. I hooked up the earmuffs and water, and attempted to flush the engine. The engine was flushing well for apx. 2 minutes, and like an idiot I tried to increase the RPMs (won't happen again!) The earmuffs came off the lower unit, striking the spinning prop (the muffs were badly bent). I shut down the motor immediately when the muffs came off, but the prop was slightly damaged on all blades. The next time I took the boat out, the boat would only go about 8mph at WOT. Seemed to accelerate normally until 8MPH, then just stopped accelerating. I have checked the timing, spark plugs, coils, and fuel line, all check out OK, but still can't get more than 8mph. Should I be highly suspicious of a spun prop nut?

Re: is this a spun prop nut?

If the motor is still reving up more than likely you have spun the hub of the prop. A prop shop can fix the blades and the hub.