Like a manned boat sounding primitive (6)

I believe the answer is:

crewed

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'like a manned boat' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'sounding primitive' is the wordplay.
'sounding' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'primitive' becomes 'crude' (synonyms).
'crude' is a homophone of 'CREWED'.

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(Other definitions for crewed that I've seen before include "Had workers" , "Worked on ship; sounds like rough" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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