"Rob" wrote in message
...
Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they
have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought
a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"


Both of the above are good advice, with the caveat of first making sure the
drives are positioned dead ahead. Practice is a key element for sure, but
if it's not coming to you naturally, and it sounds like it isn't, there's no
substitute for a little one-on-one coaching. Not sure if you're in a marina
or not, doesn't sound like it, but if you notice someone who always seems to
get it right and make it look easy, take it upon yourself to introduce
yourself to him and ask for a little help. If he's normal, he'll be more
than happy to coach you. I've coached a few people at my marina with
excellent results. Half an hour of real-time one-on-one coaching can save
uncountable hours of frustration trying to figure it out on your own.