For boat owners on Canandaigua Lake, the end of summer is bittersweet. The last Labor Day weekend cruise fades into memory, and suddenly you're faced with one of the most important decisions of the boating year — where and how to store your vessel for the next six months. Too many local boaters underestimate the damage that a harsh Finger Lakes winter can do to an improperly stored boat. Freezing temperatures cause water trapped in engines, bilges, and hulls to expand, cracking fiberglass, splitting hoses, and warping wood components. A few hundred dollars spent on proper winterization and secure storage can save you thousands in spring repairs — and more importantly, get you back on the water the moment the season opens.
Proper winterization starts before your boat ever leaves the water. Begin by flushing the engine with fresh water and adding fuel stabilizer to prevent gumming in the tank over the winter months. Drain every water system completely — the bilge, the raw-water cooling system, the live wells — and fog the engine cylinders with storage oil to protect against corrosion. Remove electronics, cushions, and any personal gear that can be damaged by temperature swings or moisture. Once your boat is clean and mechanically prepped, the storage environment becomes the next critical factor. Outdoor storage exposed to snow load, UV rays, and freeze-thaw cycles is far harder on a boat than a sheltered, secure facility — even a well-fitted cover can only do so much against a Western New York winter.
That's where having the right storage partner matters. At Must Stash It, we've designed our facility specifically with Canandaigua Lake boat owners in mind — because we're locals who boat here too. Our facility offers drive-up access so you can pull your trailer straight in, and our secure, well-lit lot means your investment is protected by commercial-grade fencing and 24/7 HD video surveillance all winter long. When spring arrives, you can access your boat on your own schedule, any time of day, without waiting on anyone. We also offer flexible online booking and month-to-month rentals, so you're never locked into more than you need. Ready to get your boat squared away before the first frost? Reserve your spot online today — spaces fill up fast once the season ends.