Last season I made a small mod for the engine which has vastly improved the ability to control the engine when manouveuring in harbours and tight spaces.
I cut an old length of 1" stainless steel tube that loosely fits over the gear lever handle on the side of the engine. I cut a slot of about 10cm at the base of the tube that allows it to fit more securly over the gear lever shaft as it comes out from the engine casing.
The lever can stow in the stern seat locker when not required or left in place whilst sailing. To stop it rattling around I stuffed a bit of J cloth in the base where it fits over the gear lever. It works so well, I would rate it as the most useful modification I have made.
Now coming along side in a tight space I can stand on the seat holding the tiller extension and with one foot move the gear lever as required. All done in tick over or what ever throttle setting required...