Late 80's lower units

[89nitro]

Hey yall , first time boat owner here. I've got a 1989 Nitro 185TF with an Evinrude XP175 (factory motor afaik). About a month ago I went to do a test fire on the engine before taking it out for the weekend, and noticed a big crack in the lower unit (its beyond saving).

When I look online, the lower units I find have rounded tips (like this) while my lower unit has a pointed tip (pictures below).

My motor's model number is E175STLCCM, with ST meaning special styling, I think that's why it has a different lower unit design?

If anyone knows where to get a pointed tip lower unit that would be great. If not could I put a rounded tip lower unit on this motor? Will i need to modify it at all?
Its OK if it wont perform as well, the boat only goes 48 as is.

I'll try to check this post at least twice a day, if anyone needs more pictures or information ill be glad to give it to you.

Pictures-Flickr (not sure how this forum does links, hopefully this works)

 

[racerone]

Your location ?-----Should be lots of lower units that will fit.

 

[89nitro]

Your location ?-----Should be lots of lower units that will fit.

I'm close to Tuscaloosa, AL, finding one around here wont be an issue. I was more asking if I could use the rounded style of lower unit on the motor because that isn't what it came with, those will be much more common and cheaper.

 

[faztbullet]

Yours was rounded when original but someone attempted to add a homemade nosecone. Shoddy job doing it.

 

[89nitro]

Yours was rounded when original but someone attempted to add a homemade nosecone. Shoddy job doing it.

I had seen what looked like a crack around the nose of the lower unit, that actually makes a lot of sense, thanks man.

 

[racerone]

Any water in the gearcase ?-----Any oil leaking ?----Have gearcase pressure tested.

 

[89nitro]

Any water in the gearcase ?-----Any oil leaking ?----Have gearcase pressure tested.

Not sure if you are using gearcase and lower unit interchangeably? If that's what you mean then yes, oil is leaking, I can look through parts of the crack and see inside the lower unit. With that said I've already found a few good options for replacements.