Crossword Genius

Redhead goes to the back of the crude boat (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

raft

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'crude boat' is the definition.
'raft' can be an answer for 'boat' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'crude' bit.

'redhead goes to the back' is the wordplay.
'redhead' becomes 'r' (the head/first letter of 'red').
'goes to' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'the back' becomes 'aft' (I've seen this in other clues).
'r'+'aft'='RAFT'

'of the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for raft that I've seen before include "Flat buoyant structure used as a boat" , "Simple floating structure" , "Travel on river, in a way" , "Buoyant platform" , "Floating platform of logs, planks, etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app