If you now or previously owned one how long did it take you to learn to
maneuver it properly at low speeds, most especially in reverse and in wind?

I have always owned either outboards or IO's, including twin IO's (most
recently with counter rotating props) that normally made docking a breeze.

My friend owns a vintage 26' Lyman with single screw. He (and his sons) can
walk the boat alongside a dock without effort. I have been on the boat when
his oldest son (now a US Marine proudly serving in Iraq) walked the boat
into a 30 or so foot dockside space (boats in front and at the aft). It was
indeed a pleasure to watch.