Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-19-209: Protection of prior liens

Where there are prior liens on the boat by judgments obtained by the general creditors of the owners, the sheriff shall attach the boat, subject to such prior liens, and when the boat is sold to satisfy such prior liens, the surplus, if any, shall be paid into court, where the attachment is pending, to be paid to the attaching creditors, if they obtain judgment.