I assume you've got an OUTBOARD that can be turned to either side (hanging on a transom bracket?). If so, you may already know how "the book" says to dock a boat with such a motor: (1) Approach the dock at an appropriate bow-in angle and speed, rudder and motor straight. (2) At the appropriate time (before the bow hits the dock!), turn the OB motor as if you want to steer the bow toward the dock (in forward gear), and apply a solid pulse of reverse gear throttle. That should pull the back of the boat into the dock and slow or halt the boat's forward motion. It works better on most small OB sailboats than on most small OB power boats, IME. On the latter, I usually find it more effective to skid-slide into the dock: motor toward the dock at a bow-in angle, then turn away (still in forward gear) to straighten out, then straight reverse to slow/stop.Thanks for all the advice. That had been my second day on a new boat, new slip, and outboard motor. In the past I had a slip where I could choose sides depending on the wind. Single handing with the wind blowing off the dock is a new skill set for me and will take some practice. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
I'm assuming your boat has a keel, or that you've got the swing keel or centerboard extended. With board up, the skid-slide may work better, provided you can approach the dock at a suitable angle - and don't have to "hook" around your dock.