Hello KELLY HANSON EAST: we approach our slip at 1200rpm, staying approx. 4-5ft away from the slipped boats. I keep the stbd rudder down for quick turning. I'm still learning the proper distance, but about one boat length from our slip, it is hard over to stbd, engine in neutral; the ADMIRAL is on the bow with a boathook to make me look good. when we are almost parallel with the slip, I reverse the engine, slightly to stbd to stop fwd motion, then into neutral to assess our position. then it is with quick reverse bursts, port, stbd, amidships with the motor, which ever way is necessary, we back into the slip. the orders are to tie up to stbd first, then port bow, port qtr, stbd spring line. the motor is always in neutral/idle until the ADMIRAL and I decide we are secure, then our shutting down checklist comes into play. yesterday, "THE RESTLESS TWO" did bump once, but no damage, the rub rail doing its job. the motor makes it fairly easy, and without its articulation, would probably have a much more difficult time

we do assess the winds, and if it is from the port side, I add 100rpm and a slight port crab. Alice and Stew,"THE RESTLESS TWO"