1998 Merc wire harness?

I understand the 1998 (or maybe 1997) have a flat plug whereas the older models were round. I am exploring options to replace my 1985 Mercury 175. Is there an adapter or any way to hook up the newer motor without completely rewiring the boat? Not sure that I want to put a newer motor on a 30 year old boat. I won't if the new (to me) boat that I am looking at is still available. It has been a great motor but time to move on since number 5 took a dive and parts are getting hard to find. I have found a couple of 1998 motors that fit the bill and one older motor but it is a little too far away.

Yes, adaptor wiring kits are available. I think yours would be a 9 pin to a 12 pin.

tha '98 should have tha same round female motor end as tha old one... should all be tha same...........