Hi again Rob,
You should practice from both stations. After all, you drive from both
stations.

Become as familiar with your boat's handling characteristics as
possible. The more skill you acquire, the less chance of scratching up
your beauty. Don't limit practice to fair weather. After you get skilled
at good weather docking, try high wind and strong current docking.
Docking at night is also "interesting!"

Always use minimum prop turns and slowest possible speeds.

A Lesson From The School Of Hard Knocks: I once had a NEW shift cable
break during docking, and hit pretty hard. Damaged the dock and scuffed
the boat. I couldn't reverse to slow. Which is why I say always use
minimums.

Since you have 2 stations, be sure to frequently inspect the binnacles,
throttle and shift cables for wear or stiffness. Lubricate with APPROVED
lubricants as necessary, but don't over lubricate. Wipe excess from
exposed areas to prevent attracting dirt. Replace cables if the outer
skin is chafed, or the operating ends are worn, or the cable won't run
smoothly.

Capt. Frank

Rob wrote:
WOW Thanks very very much for all your input!! This is great.

For those who asked my boat does not have counter rotating drives. And I do
have to make a 90' port turn to get into my boat house. The wind and current
generally come from my stern, until I turn and then there on my port side.
It is a covered boat house so there is post and beams right at the entrance.

I guess practice is where its at...
I have been docking mainly from the lower station,cause it just seems more
comfortable. Any opinion on that?

Thanks again for taking the time to help.
Rob.

"Bob" wrote in message
m...

"Rod McInnis" wrote in message

...

"Rob" wrote in message
...


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.

Rod, three years ago I went from a single IO to a 30 foot twin IO and
had a devil of a time. My brother, who got a 33 twin inboard at the
same time, quickly learned to dock his boat easily and I was still not
doing well. I was very frustrated.

THEN! I replaced all the shift/throttle cables (Merc IOs) and my
shifting and throttling got substantially easier. No shifting delays,
no engine surges, no loss of concentration. It seemed minor enough,
but now I can spin that boat around (almost 120) no sweat, and back
into the slip, oh, at least every other time. And between times I have
enough control to avoid hitting things. If your shifting is sticky,
try it, you may like it.

(Also, as others have said, make sure your I/Os are pointed straight
ahead when you use differential shifting. When my IOs are at an angle
they don't spin the boat at all.