RE: Backing
Since all control is at the stern, bow in is much easier, especially in shelters, where the width between walls is only a foot or so greater than max beam, so getting lined up with the stern foremost is critical, and very difficult if a current or a good breeze are factors. Once the props and rudders are trapped in the slip and control is lost, if the bow falls off due to current or wind, the docking can turn ugly.
In one of our frequent destination places, when things get busy, backing in to a wide cross dock and tying a number of boats together so that all are stern-to, is required. Then the parties get going.
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