Every boat or vessel used in navigating the water of this state or constructed in this state is liable and subject to a lien:

Right to proceed against boat or vessel directly. Any person having a demand as mentioned in instead of proceeding for recovery thereof against the master, owner, agent or consignee of the boat or vessel, may at the person’s option commence an action against such boat or vessel by name.

Complaint; jurisdiction and venue. Any person wishing to commence an action against a boat or vessel shall file the complaint against such boat or vessel by name with the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the boat or vessel may lie or be. The complaint shall set forth the plaintiff’s demand in all its particulars, and on whose account the same accrued, and shall be verified by the plaintiff or some credible person for the plaintiff.

Judgment by default; proceedings on issue of fact. If in any action commenced under the master, owner, agent or consignee does not appear and answer the complaint, the plaintiff may proceed to take judgment in the same manner and under the same restrictions as in a civil action against a natural person. If an issue of fact is joined, the same proceeding shall be had as in other actions.

Bill of sale of boat or vessel; effect of previous liens. When any boat or vessel is sold in pursuance of the officer making the sale shall execute to the purchaser a bill of sale therefor, and such boat or vessel shall, in the hands of the purchaser and the purchaser’s assigns, be free and discharged from all previous liens and claims under this title.

Limitation of actions. All actions against a boat or vessel under shall be commenced within one year after the cause of action has accrued.
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