We have a very narrow slip and generally back in to make leaving less of an issue. Because there is very little room between the fingerpier on one side and our neighbor on the other, propwalk is a major issue for us. What we have learned to do is keep two springlines tied to the pilings at the end of our slip. When we return, we pull up very slowly alongside the pilings and grab the springlines. We come to a stop with the stern just past our slip. We then put the boat in reverse and use the springlines with a half wrap on the
cleats in the cockpit. We keep a little tension on the
lines as we back, and by increasing tension one
line or the other, we are able to keep the boat straight as we back into the slip. It is a little slower than trying to just drive in, but even in high winds it works very well. Better to be slow than come in out of control and risk hitting the dock or our neighbor.