attaching a first sterndrive unit to said marine vessel for rotation about a first steering axis;

attaching a second sterndrive unit to said marine vessel for rotation about a second steering axis;

connecting a first steering actuator to said first sterndrive unit;

connecting a second steering actuator to said second sterndrive unit;

connecting a third steering actuator between said first and second sterndrive units, said third steering actuator being selectively configurable in a first state wherein said first and second sterndrive units are rigidly attached together for synchronous rotation about their respective steering axes and a second state wherein said first and second sterndrive units are movable relative to each other;

providing a first manually manipulatable control device which is configured to receive vessel movement commands from an operator of said marine vessel;

providing a second manually manipulatable control device which is configured to receive vessel maneuver commands from said operator of said marine vessel;

providing a controller connected in signal communication with said first and second manually manipulatable control devices;

receiving a set of vessel maneuver commands from said second manually manipulatable control device;

calculating a first thrust magnitude for said first sterndrive unit, a second thrust magnitude for said second sterndrive unit, and an angular position of said second sterndrive unit which will achieve a maneuver of said marine vessel which accomplishes said vessel maneuver commands;

causing said second sterndrive unit to move to said angular position;

causing said first sterndrive unit to generate said first thrust magnitude; and

causing said second sterndrive unit to generate said second thrust magnitude.