Erie Canal opening questions

[Run-Time]

I am planning to bring a boat from New York to Lake Ontario this spring.

The canal opening day is May 19th.

The boat is a 40' long by 30' wide trimaran. It will not be easy to maneuver as it will not have a daggerboard - basically no lateral grip in the water. It will run at about 7knts. I have transited other canals but never done the Erie. I am concerned about traffic (constant stream of boats overtaking?) and debris in the water.

I wonder if anyone can give me an idea what to expect that early in the season? Is there typically a backlog of boats waiting to transit? I wonder if it would be better to plan to wait a week or so after opening to have an easier time on the canal.

Also, where would be a good place on the Hudson to leave the boat a few weeks waiting for the canal opening?

Does the Troy federal lock open on the same day as the canal?

Thanks!