It's usually easier to load and unload people and gear from the transom or swim platform, and docking stern-to makes it much easier to pull out. And, docking stern-to makes you look like a master pilot, because many boaters won't even attempt it - they think it's too tricky. Truth is, docking stern-to isn't difficult if you focus on the basics, and it's a move that should be in every boater's arsenal.

KNOW YOUR VESSEL
The time to discover that your boat has a tendency to pull to starboard when reversing is not when you're trying to dock stern-to with a boatload of witnesses. Before you attempt a stern-to docking, spend some time in a calm cove, learning your vessel's nuances. Generally speaking, single-engine boats don't handle very well when reversing because of prop rotation and a lack of water passing around the rudder. But every boat has its idiosyncrasies. Stop in the middle of the cove and pick a landmark on shore, directly behind you. Without turning the wheel, reverse throttle gently and see what happens. Stop again and gently reverse throttle, this time with steering. Repeat until you can back your boat, slowly, in a straight line with confidence.

TAKE IT SLOWLY
The first rule of docking, especially docking stern-to, is to slow down. Slowing down increases your margin of error, which reduces the possibility of banging into the dock or another boat, while improving your odds of nailing the maneuver. So before you start the docking procedure, bring the boat to a complete stop, and survey the situation. Will you have to deal with wind or current? Take a moment to prepare your lines and fenders, and position your passengers (now your crew) so that they can be ready to assist as needed. Once everything is fully prepared for docking, take a couple of relaxing breaths and begin - SLOWLY - the docking procedure.

LINE IT UP
Since you'll probably have to deal with reduced handling capabilities, it's best to set yourself up so you don't have to steer any more than necessary. Bring the boat to a complete stop directly in front of the slip. You want to be fairly close to the slip, but not so close that you'l l risk banging the drive or swim platform against the dock. Leave plenty of room for error. If you have to deal with wind or current, you may want to line up a little to one side or the other to account for those effects. Using small “taps” of throttle, rotate the boat until it's lined up, stern-to, ready to gently back into the slip. Once you've conquered this maneuver, you're almost there.

DO THE DEED
Once you've positioned the boat, the actual docking is pretty straightforward. Again, go slowly and remember that less is more. Apply small, gentle taps of reverse throttle. You want to nudge the boat enough to get momentum, then allow the boat to drift back into the slip. Don't let your ego enter - if the docking starts to get out of control, pull away and start over. Remember that if all else fails, simply get the boat close enough to the dock for a passenger to step out and use a line to pull the boat into position. If you've taken your time and positioned the boat properly, you'll ease the boat into position, apply a final tap of forward throttle to come to a complete stop, then bask in the applause and adoration of your highly impressed audience.