Docking advice: I picked out a...

[CAR847]

Docking advice: I picked out a slip for my new boat, a ‘05 Sundancer 260. The layout of the slips in relation to a nice view aft suggest I should stern in.  Is it generally easier to stern in or bow in to a slip with a single sterndrive? Either way I will do a lot of practicing. 

[wingless]

My preference has always been stern in.

The single sterndrive has less docking control than other layouts.

This web page covers the basics.

https://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/single-engine-docking-tips/

Practice and have helpers ready to fend off.

My preference is to NOT yell, instead remaining calm so that boating may be enjoyed, but I've been in marinas enough to know that view isn't universal.

After I learned how to dock, then I taught the wife. We used deserted slips for practice. This way she would never have an excuse for returning to the dock w/o me using some lame excuse...

[CAR847]

Thank you. Very helpful. I was thinking sterning in may actually be a little easier for me than bow first. And I agree with the no yelling policy.

[wrvond]

One consideration is that at many marinas stern in is an invitation to visitors, while bow in is the equivalent to a “do not disturb” sign.