I have one, and I'm pretty pleased. Great power, and thus far, a pretty reliable engine. I've had mine for a year, 60 hours on the engine. No problems. My boat is a 19 ft windshield boat, and the 175 scoots it around with 4 people in it real well.

You might think about going to the 200 optimax, which will give you electronic fuel injection. This apparently gives MUCH better fuel economy, and might be better at handling altitude changes and temperature changes.

The only complaint I have is that the 175 is cold blooded in the winter. Starting it the first time on a freezing morning can be difficult. But it has always started.