Our History
Bootleggers Cove Marina is a premier marina on Lake Ontario located in the Wilson, NY harbor that is steeped in history.
Wilson Tourism
Wilson, NY has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town experienced a surge in tourism, and Wilson Harbor became a popular destination for summer vacationers.
Sunset Island was once home to several hotels and also had a beach that was open to the public, visitors would escape the city by train and flock to Sunset Island to enjoy the lake and recreational activities it offered.
O’Connell Island provided winter access to Sunset Island residents via a removable footbridge that connected the northwestern area of O’Connell Island to the old Island Store on Sunset Island.
Smuggler's Haven
According to local accounts, bootlegging was a major industry in Wilson during Prohibition. Wilson Harbor was a major hub for smugglers bringing Canadian whiskey across Lake Ontario, which would then be distributed to other parts of the country.
There are several historical accounts and local legends about the role of Wilson Harbor in the bootlegging trade during Prohibition. Some stories suggest that the harbor was a key location for offloading smuggled alcohol, while others claim that the harbor was used to store large quantities of illegal liquor.
Beccue Boat Basin & the Sunset Grill
In the period after World War II, Bill Beccue acquired O’Connell Island and began development. Mr. Beccue removed a small footbridge over the narrow channel of water that was separating the island and replaced it with a large culvert pipe, constructing a roadway. He established the Beccue Boat Basin and built two large Quonset huts, a boat launch, and the perimeter dock area we see today.
The building now occupied by the Sunset Grill was the original clubhouse for the Island Yacht Club, and much of the wood used in its construction came from the large pine trees on O’Connell Island. In fact, Mr. Beccue set up a sawmill on the island specifically to cut this timber. The Island was called Beccue’s Island until it was later changed back to O’Connell Island by former owner, Dean Johnson in the 1970s.
Our Marina's History
1920s
smuggling Canadian Whiskey in fast boats with Federal Agents in chase
1940s
with perimeter boat docks, two large Quonset huts, a boat launch and club house
2010s
as you see them today, Bootleggers Cove Marina and Sunset Bar & Grill
Renovation & Revitalization
As lifelong residents of Wilson, Dan and Michelle Evans purchased O’Connell Island in 2014 and embarked on a mission to renovate and modernize the marina, restaurant and entire Island.
These renovations have included upgrading the marina infrastructure, such as the water and electric systems, building new break walls and docks, adding private showers and baths, and renovating the office and storefront to create a modern, welcoming space for customers.
Brand new fuel docks were installed to include both gas and diesel fuel, providing more efficient and convenient service to our customers. These renovations continue and have transformed Bootleggers Cove Marina into a premier facility that provides world class services to boat owners.
Modernized for the Future
Today, Bootleggers Cove Marina boasts the largest private marina on the American side of Lake Ontario, with 155 boat slips, all of which are floating docks. We can now accommodate vessels up to 100 feet in length. The marina provides 200/240v amp services, water at the docks, and a swimming pool.
Our full-service marina offers the largest waterfront storage space in the Niagara County area, with 26,000 square feet of inside marina boat storage, 10 acres of outside storage, a 30-ton travel lift, and a 12-ton forklift.