[BigLew]

This is a follow-up to my earlier posting.

Keep in mind that looking for 175 horsepower outboard is a bit tricky. Most of our 18 and 20 foot models use 175 horsepower as an upper limit for power options. Our 23 foot models, on the other hand, rarely run 175 horsepower-even on the lower end of engine horsepower.

If someone is running the 175 horsepower on their 18 or 20 foot boat, they're not likely to be looking to upgrade. There will be a few occasionally willing to bite the bullet and go with the newer technology such as the e-tec. The problem with that is that it just doesn't happen that often.

Further, getting involved with a used motor at distances of 200 to 300 miles or more raises more issues than simply availability. Transportation, mechanical survey, negotiation and secure payment methods all come to mind.

I also noticed your original posting was less than two weeks ago. Depending on how long you've been a member of the site, there are plenty of examples where searches for a particular piece or accessory has taken months if not years to complete.

Take a look at some of the freshwater sites and you might have more luck or at least spread a wider net for your search. Further, if you can avoid it, it would probably be better to get a motor that has lived in freshwater rather saltwater. They tend a last longer than in fresh water.

Again, good luck.