Section 14. If by virtue of a contract, express or implied, with the owners of a vessel or with the agents, contractors or sub-contractors of such owners, or with any of them, or with a person who has been employed to construct, repair or launch a vessel or to assist therein, money is due for labor performed, materials used or labor and materials furnished in the construction, launching or repairs of, or in the construction of the launching ways for, or for provisions, stores or other articles furnished for or on account of such vessel in the commonwealth, the person to whom such money is due shall have a lien upon the vessel, her tackle, apparel and furniture to secure the payment of such debt, and such lien shall be preferred to all others on such vessel, except that for mariners’ wages, and shall continue until the debt is satisfied.