The Story Behind
DolFab
Built on a career that started in 1978, DolFab is Fort Lauderdale's premier metal fabrication shop — ABS-certified, precision-driven, and trusted across marine, industrial, architectural, and custom projects.
Jim Doll — A Career Built on Precision
Jim Doll began his career in metal fabrication in 1978 — not long after Fort Lauderdale was establishing itself as the yachting capital of the world. Over the next four-plus decades, he built deep expertise across every facet of metalwork: from structural aluminum welding on production boats to intricate stainless brightwork aboard 330-foot superyachts, and from industrial structural components to custom architectural metalwork.
His guiding philosophy is simple but hard to execute: "Creatively solve the puzzle, and deliver end results that are extremely safe and reliable." Whether a component goes to sea, into a building, or under a vehicle — a failed weld is never an option. Jim has never forgotten that.
Today, Jim and his team at DolFab handle everything from custom T-tops and leaning posts for local fishing boats, to full engine room refits on 330-foot superyachts, to industrial structures, architectural panels, and one-off custom builds for any industry. The U.S. Navy, Trinity Yachts, and Merritt Marine trust DolFab — so does anyone who needs metal done right.
The shop at 6800 NW 15th Way in Fort Lauderdale is equipped with a Flow waterjet machine, an Adira 180-ton press brake, an Accurshear CNC shear, a pyramid rolling machine, and an in-house 3D scanner and printer — giving the team the tools to take on any fabrication challenge, from any industry.
Certifications & Capabilities
DolFab holds the certifications required to work on the most demanding commercial and naval vessels.
ABS Certified
American Bureau of Shipping certification for marine structural welding, required for commercial and naval vessel work. Unlimited thickness capability.
MIG & TIG Welding
Full MIG and TIG welding capability across aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Structural and cosmetic welds to the highest marine standards.
Hot Permit (Fuel Tanks)
Licensed to perform gas-free certification and hot work on fuel tanks — a critical credential for safe fuel tank fabrication, repair, and replacement.
Advanced Shop Equipment
Flow waterjet cutter (4'×12', up to 7" steel), Adira 180-ton press brake, Accurshear 12'×½" CNC shear, pyramid rolling machine, and in-house 3D scanner/printer.
Any Project, Any Industry
Marine flagship — from 17-foot center consoles to 330-foot superyachts. Also serving architectural, industrial, automotive, and any project that demands precision metalwork.
Clients & Partners
The most demanding operators — marine, commercial, and custom — trust DolFab with their most critical metalwork.
The DolFab Difference
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
A failed weld at sea is a life-safety issue. Every piece that leaves the shop is built to hold — structurally sound, properly certified, and tested.
Creative Problem Solving
Marine fabrication constantly throws puzzles at you — odd angles, dissimilar metals, tight clearances. Jim Doll has spent 40+ years finding solutions others can't.
Full In-House Capability
Waterjet cutting, press brake bending, CNC shearing, rolling, 3D scanning, and welding — all under one roof means faster turnaround and tighter quality control.
Trusted Across the Industry
From the U.S. Navy to private mega-yacht owners to industrial customers, DolFab's reputation is built on repeat business and referrals from the most demanding clients in any industry.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you need a single custom bracket or a complete hull refit, Jim and the DolFab team are ready to talk through your project.