North Harbor Diesel has long been a business icon in Anacortes, Washington and a name widely recognized by boaters of the Pacific Northwest. The business was first founded by Howard Bean in 1988, who loved to tell others that he “started with a $2,000 loan, a pickup truck, tool bag, and a smile.” His daughter, Victoria Bean, worked in the business for many years along with her brothers Greg and Skye. Dianna Chonka and Josh Blankenship, new owners of the business as of 2025, are carrying on the professional services that boaters have come to appreciate at North Harbor Diesel.
Dianna comes from a boating background and grew up helping her parents, Maureen & Pat Dickson, run Cap Sante Marine from 1980 to around 2006. When tragedy struck in 2009 at one of Howard Bean’s North Harbor Diesel buildings, Dianna came to the rescue to help with all the needed administrative work, her knowledge of the boatyard business proved to be invaluable. Dianna and Howard formed a close friendship, which continues to this day. Now CEO and General Manager of North Harbor Diesel, Dianna enjoys summer boating in her spare time, often delivering parts to friends along her route in her 45-foot Bayliner. Dianna has three sons, one of whom works in the business.
Josh Blankenship came to North Harbor Diesel in 1994 looking for work at the age of 14. Howard Bean took Josh under his wing and taught him everything about boats and boat repair. Now the co-owner and lead mechanic at North Harbor Diesel, Josh says he owes his formative teenage years to Howard. Josh has many fond memories, including the time when Howard told him if he fixed up the Radio Flyer boat they had on hand, Josh could race it. Now Josh owns a 42-foot Corsair that he’s changing over from gas to diesel. Josh has certifications covering a number of makes of engines, including Cummins, Lugger, MAN, and Volvo in addition to other certifications. His daughter, a high-school student, is a seasonal worker in the business, along with other seasonal help.
North Harbor Diesel employs 45 dedicated individuals, 8 of whom received their training from the local Skagit Valley College Marine Technology Center in Anacortes. Both Dianna and Josh support youth in technology and offer positions to qualified graduates. It’s that since of community and family that permeates the work atmosphere at North Harbor Diesel; in fact, that’s what pleased Howard Bean the most was the opportunity to transfer ownership to his extended community family members.
North Harbor Diesel offers a variety of services, including marine repairs, mechanical and electrical services, 3 storage yards, and a parts store. If you are in need of parts while in Anacortes, stop by their store; you’ll find hoses, hose clamps, zincs, fuel filters, impellers, engine oil, and other parts and supplies.
Comprehensive services at Harbor Diesel include engine work, repowers, propulsion, and installation of watermakers and heating systems. They can take care of your electronic installations too, and other electrical services, all done by their ABYC certified technicians. Harbor Diesel can accommodate over 100 vessels for storage or service, utilizing their Sea Lift launch/haulout trailer. The 22,000 square-foot indoor space is used for restorations, painting projects, and fiberglass work.
Next time you’re in Anacortes, stop by North Harbor Diesel to see their facility and say hello to the new owners, Dianna Chonka and Josh Blankenship, check out their new website at www.northharbordiesel.com.
Photos: L. Landon and
North Harbor Diesel photos
