If it makes you feel any better, last year was my first w/ 20' I/O. I
thought docking backwards into my slip would be cake. The first time I
pulled out I hit the boats opposite me. Backing in was a nightmare. But
after a full season and a half I no longer have a problem. Sometimes when
I miss I can even make the corrections look pretty easy. Never thought I
would get the hang of it back then. There is light at the end of the
tunnel..

In article ,
says...
I just started boating this season(18 ft bowrider) . Never driven a boat
before. Not ever. I've been out maybe 10 times on a large lake in upstate
NY. The lake often is rough even on a sunny day. We rent a slip on the end
of a dock which extends straight out into the lake at a right angle to the
shore. The space that I have is the one on the very end, on the lakeside of
the cutout that I share with another boat. The other boat is on the shore
side and generally has the waves pushing him into the dock as he pulls in.
I, on the other hand, am usually being pushed away from the dock toward the
other boat by the waves and the wind. Today was unbelievably difficult. My
docking is really ugly. I have this brand new boat that I keep hitting the
edge of the dock with. I also realized today that by being on the end of the
dock I have less protection than any other boat. This seems like a very
difficult challenge for such a newbie as me.......does anyone agree with
this assessment. When I go to dock anywhere else it's much easier, the open
dock where I buy gas or enclosed spaces where the water is not as rough. I
thought about asking for another dock space but I hate to give up on the
challenge of the space that I have.....I just dont want to do anymore damage
to the boat than I've done already.