So this starboard turn a little kick of engine just to get it to swing. Now my Stern's going to portMoreSo this starboard turn a little kick of engine just to get it to swing. Now my Stern's going to port. And then as I'm about parallel with the dock I'm going to roll the wheel. All.
Always approach the dock from a downstream or down wind direction. Aim to approach at around a 20 degree angle to the dockside. Reverse engines as the bow touches the dock and let the bow swing in to touch the dock. Quickly attach mooring ropes and you are done.
Given a choice, always dock into the wind and/or current If the wind and/or current are moving parallel to the dock and you're able to approach with your bow into them, they can actually make docking easier by giving you more directional control at a slower speed.
At Your Back. If the wind is at your back, you should approach the dock at a shallow angle (10°-20°), and then stop the boat in order to allow the wind to drift the boat into the dock. If possible, approach the dock with the wind into your face: you have much more control when docking into the wind.
Approach the dock slowly at a narrow angle (about 20 degrees).