Every vessel owned by a citizen or citizens of this State shall be subject to the control of the vessel’s owner, if there be but 1, or, if such vessel be owned by several jointly or in common, the vessel shall be subject to the control of the owner or owners of more than a 1/2 half part.
The owner or owners of such share may discharge the master of such vessel, though the master be a part owner, and may maintain a civil action against the master to recover possession of the vessel if the master refuse to deliver the vessel to the owner or owners or to an agent, and recover damages for the detention.
If such master, upon being discharged, refuses or neglects to deliver to such owner or owners of more than a half part, or to an agent, on demand, the vessel with all the vessel’s papers, tackle, apparel and furniture, the master shall be fined $100.