When preparing to dock what is the safest way to stop the forward motion on your boat?

To safely stop the forward motion of your boat when preparing to dock, gradually reduce throttle to idle while maintaining control of the steering. Use reverse thrust to help slow the boat further, but do so gently to avoid abrupt movements. Additionally, keep an eye on wind and current conditions, as they can affect your approach. Finally, always be prepared to adjust your position with fenders in place to protect both your boat and the dock.