Twin vs Single Engine Docking: What Changes at the Dock

Single engine

A single-engine boat can't pivot in place, so every course correction near the dock costs you forward motion. Plan the approach as a single continuous arc rather than a series of adjustments, and use prop walk (the natural sideways kick in reverse) to your advantage on the final stop.

In DockWise grades, a single engine adds difficulty in any wind, more once the crosswind reaches 5 knots, and more again at 15 mph and above.

Thrusters

A bow or stern thruster lets you push the boat sideways at zero speed, the one thing conventional propulsion can't do. Use it for fine positioning at the very end of the approach, not as a substitute for a good setup. Thrusters draw a lot of current and can overheat if you lean on them.

DockWise reduces difficulty for boats with a thruster, most of all when the crosswind is 6 knots or more. Use short bursts to hold the bow against the wind while the spring line goes on.

Drive type

DockWise also grades inboard drives as more demanding at low speed than sterndrives, and both as more demanding than outboards.

Twin engines

DockWise grades engine setup as single or not single. The Boat Handling reviews describe each reviewed boat's actual engine and thruster setup and what a new owner should practice.