Boatman involved in terrible ordeal, but winning (8)
I believe the answer is:
adorable
'winning' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'boatman involved in terrible ordeal' is the wordplay.
'boatman' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'involved in' indicates putting letters inside.
'terrible' is an anagram indicator.
'ordeal' anagrammed gives 'adorle'.
'ab' going within 'adorle' is 'ADORABLE'.
'but' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for adorable that I've seen before include "'Lovable, delightful (8)'" , "Quite delightful, fit to be worshipped" , "Inspiring love" , "Inspiring great affection" , "Evoking love and admiration" .)