There shall be a lien on all ships, steamboats and other water craft for work done or materials supplied by any person in this state for or concerning the building, repairing, fitting, furnishing, supplying or victualing such ships, steamboats or other water craft, and for the wages of the persons employed on board such vessel, boat, or craft, for work done or services rendered, in preference to all other debts due and owing from the owners thereof. The said lien shall expire six (6) months after the claim is due, unless judicial proceedings have been commenced to assert it.Codes, 1880, § 1395; 1892, § 2725; 1906, § 3085; Hemingway's 1917, §§ 2445, 2447; 1930, § 2242; 1942, § 340.