WESMAR Stabilizers ‘Likely Saved Our Lives’ Says Captain of 45-Foot Tug. For some, modern technology adds to entertainment and pleasure. Captain Robert Elves believes modern technology actually saved his life in this amazing story about a harrowing crossing on his Tugboat Ernest Hemingway. Here is his story. “The (WESMAR) stabilizers gave us a great ride in 4-6 ft swells on a 25-hour nonstop voyage from Port Canaveral to Great Sale Cay, Abacos (the Bahamas) aboard our 45 foot, 40-ton tugboat Ernest Hemingway. That was our expectation with the purchase of the stabilizers.