The reels are back in the boats (6)
I believe the answer is:
sloops
'boats' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'the reels are back' is the wordplay.
'the reels' becomes 'spools' ('spool' can be a synonym of 'reel').
'are back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'spools' backwards is 'SLOOPS'.
'in the' is the link.
(Other definitions for sloops that I've seen before include "Sailing vessels rigged fore and aft" , "ships" , "Boats" , "sailing vessels follow" .)