Backing away from a dock usually offers the best maneuvering
control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures when the
boat starts to turn and its stern swings into the dock, preventing the
boat from departing cleanly. Start by turning the wheel away from the
dock, which rotates the propeller away from the dock. Shift into reverse,
the stern swings away from the dock as the boat backs away. To avoid
scraping the bow against the dock, make your turning angle slight. When
clear of the dock, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to bring the
boat parallel to the dock. Center the wheel, pause briefly in neutral
while counting 1-2-3, then shift to forward.
