About Us
Who you’ll find at the helm
3rd Generation Partners
Steve Morris
Jason Morris
since 1967
Our Family, Our Story
At the beginning, good friends became partners.
Anchor Marine Repair Is Born
While working together at the telephone company, Gene Jerry and CB Shannep discovered a shared love for boating, diving, fishing, and the satisfaction of working with their hands. Their passion quickly turned into a vision—one that led them to launch their own business.
In 1966, they founded Anchor Marine Repair in Newport Beach. The shop quickly grew from basic hull cleaning to full-service repair work. They built Char-Dan, a custom barge with major lifting capacity, and by the early ’70s, launched a salvage division that served vessels from Los Angeles to San Diego.
A New Chapter In Dana Point
In 1972, Gene and CB saw an opportunity to expand with the newly established Dana Point Harbor. They formed Anchor Marine Repair Company, successfully bidding to construct and operate Dana Point Shipyard. Despite setbacks from the oil embargo and regulatory changes, they secured permits, and by 1982, the shipyard was fully operational with a 50-ton travel lift, expanded docks, and a new four-thousand-square-foot facility.
Alongside marine repairs, they launched Anchor Marine Construction, rebuilding piers in Balboa, Newport, and Dana Point, dredging harbors, and replacing dock systems. After 15 years, the company refocused solely on Dana Point Shipyard, and CB retired in 1995.
Carrying The Legacy Forward
By the early 2000s, the next generation was planning a major renovation. Dana Point Shipyard Inc. was formed in 2014, led by Cathy Cope and Steve Morris (3rd generation). Over the next two years, they executed a 90-day facility overhaul, installing new docks, a travel lift pier, an upgraded electrical system, and a state-of-the-art water treatment system—a feat once deemed impossible by industry experts.
In 2017, the team welcomed their new 85MT Marine Travelift, increasing capacity and shifting the shipyard’s customer base toward larger vessels while continuing to serve the smaller boats that built their foundation.
The Tradition Continues
Today, four generations of marine expertise power Dana Point Shipyard. Steve Morris (3rd gen) serves as Vice President of Operations, having worked in the family business since age 13. His brother, Jason Morris (3rd gen), leads as Yard Manager and Senior Technician, holding certifications from Mercury, Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, Cummins, Kohler, Yanmar, and SeaKeeper, as well as ABYC Master Tech status.
For nearly 60 years, Dana Point Shipyard has weathered economic shifts, industry changes, and evolving technology. Through it all, our commitment remains the same—delivering expert service, precision craftsmanship, and trusted marine care from Los Angeles to San Diego. Dana Point Shipyard: Where Generations of Experience Keep You on the Water.