N.Y. Canal Law § 83
Every penalty and forfeiture prescribed by this chapter against the owner, master or other person having charge of any float, when incurred, shall be chargeable on such float, and an action for the recovery thereof may be brought against any person in the possession or having charge thereof at the time when it is commenced; and any court or judicial officer issuing the process for the commencement of such an action, may, by a clause to be inserted therein, direct the officer executing the same, to detain such float or its appurtenances until action is determined or until adequate security is given for the payment of any judgment recoverable. If such security be given, or the defendant in the action prevail, such court or officer shall order the boat or other float and property detained to be released. If no such security be given and a judgment be recovered for such penalty or forfeiture, and not immediately paid, an execution shall be issued under which the property so detained may be sold in like manner as if the judgment had been obtained against the owner thereof.
N.Y. Canal Law § 83