On Wed, 30 May 2007 16:45:02 GMT, Joe
wrote:

I am new to boating and would like to get some opinions on docking and
how it "should" be done. I have a Wellcraft 270 Coastal with twin
Evinrude 200's.

The big issue with twin engine outboards is that the engines are are
usually mounted close together, and the props are relatively small.
As a result, most twin engine maneuvering tricks don't work
particularly well or take longer than you'd like.

Get some practice in open water and find out what works on your
particular boat. If you want to spin quickly to port, put the
starboard shifter forward, and the port shifter in reverse. In
addition, turn the wheel hard to port for some vectored thrust.
Everything is opposite for spinning to starboard. Be wary of trying
to spin the bow into the wind in close quarters.

Wind is not your friend on a lighter boat and you need to maneuver
quickly and decisively, all the time controling your speed to the
minimum required to accomplish all of that. It can be a delicate
balance at times and requires practice.