Man on small boat is right behind (6)
I believe the answer is:
rafter
'man on small boat' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'right behind' is the wordplay.
'right' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'behind' becomes 'after' (eg after or behind someone in a queue).
'r'+'after'='RAFTER'
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rafter that I've seen before include "person on floating logs" , "Sloping beam supporting a roof" , "See retired Aussie tennis player" , "support" , "Roofing beam" .)