My favorite docking accessory is my Edson stainless steel power knob. I will never own a power boat that does not have one of these.
Easy docking:
1 Approach dock at dead idle speed, and at 30 degree angle with the bow aimed directly at the spot you expect it to be when you are tied up (end point).
2 When you are 1.5 boat lengths from the end point, put boat in neutral, and maintain course.
3 When you are .5 boat lengths from the end point, turn wheel hard over TOWARD the dock quickly while simultaneously engaging reverse. The boat will slow gently and the stern will pull toward the dock while you are slowing. If the boat is not slowing as quickly as you would like, apply a little throttle.
4 As soon as the boat has stopped forward movement, put the engine in neutral.
5 At this point, the boat should be very close to the end point and parallel to the dock. If it needs adjustment, use steering and power in small amounts to bring the stern closer. If there's room to move forward, turn the wheel hard over AWAY from the dock and briefly engage forward gear. This will kick the stern toward the dock. If there's room to move rearward, turn the wheel hard over TOWARD the dock, and briefly engage reverse gear.
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