Hello and Welcome "Newbie".
Yes you can run that engine at about 1/2 throttle with no real problems. As previously advised, run her up to Cruising RPM or WOT once in a while to "blow her out" and it will last a long time. Tony Athens, a very respected diesel guy says he has never seen an engine damaged by running it too easy (not talking here no load idling which is bad).
My boat is only a bit larger than that, and I have a Cummins 330 hp and we run all the time at 1/2 throttle doing about 7-8 knots. It is nice to have the ability to open up for some more speed should the need arise, and often in larger following seas we do increase our speed to "smooth out" the ride.
Good luck
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Tom
Nanaimo, BC
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