Small Outboard Boats - Docking, Tilt and Trim

Bringing a boat smoothly to a stop alongside a dock is a simple procedure which anyone can learn with some practice. I use the same method for docking any boat powered by a single outboard or sterndrive (inboard/outboard) engine. It's always fun to watch the looks on the faces of inexperienced boaters when they see this for the first time.

1. Approach the dock at an angle and shift into neutral

The boat approaches the dock at an angle, going at a speed fast enough to maneuver effectively, with the engine at dead idle in forward. The first step is to put the engine in neutral and turn it away from the dock. The boat will slow down, and will start to line up with the dock as it comes closer. Your passengers will look at the situation with satisfaction. A smooth approach.

2. Turn the engine hard over toward the dock, then shift into reverse

With the engine still in neutral, turn it hard over toward the dock. The boat continues to slow down, but the bow starts to rotate toward the dock again for a moment. Your passengers look at you with wide, questioning eyes. Does this idiot know what he is doing? Why does he want to ram the dock with the nose of the boat?

Shift the engine into reverse. The boat is still moving forward, but slows down dramatically, and the stern is "sucked" toward the dock by the reversing engine. At this point, your passengers will think you are barely in control of the situation, and may try to prematurely reach out and grab the dock to stop the boat. Stop them.

3. Shift into neutral and tie up to the dock

The speed of the boat has dropped to near zero, and it is aligned with the dock. As it comes to a stop, shift the engine into neutral. The relief on the faces of your passengers will be satisfyingly visible. After they have seen you do it a few times, they will learn that you actually intended to slide sideways to a stop alongside the dock.

See full article with illustrations:
Docking a Boat

Most outboard engines 30 hp and below do not have power tilt and trim. They usually have 5 holes into which a pin can be inserted, varying the angle of the engine to the transom of the boat. So how do you decide which of the 5 tilt positions is best for your boat?

The answer will depend on the angle of the transom or bracket on which the engine is mounted, so each boater needs to experiment with his own boat and motor to find the best trim position.

When the boat is on plane in smooth water, it should be trimmed properly in a slightly bow-up attitude, and the propeller shaft should be nearly parallel with the surface of the water.

If the engine is tilted too high, the bow of the boat will ride too high, and the stern will "squat" in the water. Many boats will start porpoising in this condition.

If the engine is not tilted high enough, it will push the bow of the boat too far down, making it plow along. For cruising in smooth water, it is slow and inefficient, and the engine should be tilted further out for proper trim.

There is also a use for too little tilt. When powering into small chop, most boats will ride more comfortably if they are cutting through it with the sharp part of the hull up forward, rather than bouncing along on top.

Read more at:
Outboard Engine Tilt & Trim: Theory and Practice