otnmbrd wrote:

The problem is that there is no one right answer to your problem.

Correct. The few references I have seen to this in magazine articles
and books say this is one of the trickiest kinds of docking maneuvers.


The solution can involve any number of things such as line handling and
engine and rudder usage.
Best bet....... find someone around your dock area who seems to make
his/her approaches with little difficulty (takes some time and observation)
and ask them for advice.

Will definitely do that.


Because your situation involves an off the dock current, for the most part
you will need to use a combination of line handling and engine/rudder
maneuvers to come up with something that works well.

I am not sure about the line handling, as it is very error prone. The engine

and rudder might prove to minimize the problem.


Don't be afraid to use your line from different points on the dock as well
as the boat and be ready to "work" those lines to your advantage.
As for engine and rudder, try maximum rudder and minimum engine first and
then increase or decrease as experience teaches.
As a final thought..... don't forget your anchor...... there may be a
maneuver that could benefit from it's use.

Unless I set an anchor everytime I approach the dock, there is no practical
way to use it to advantage.