Boat impact protector (6)
I believe the answer is:
fender
'boat impact protector' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for fender that I've seen before include "Guard for fire or side of boat" , "On a boat, it's protects against impact" , "Fire safety frame or American car bumper" , "fire protection" , "Leo ------, designer of the first solid-body electric guitar" .)