Chopper on a boat (6)

I believe the answer is:

cutter

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'boat' is the definition.
(historical type of ship)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for cutter that I've seen before include "Person docking" , "See 1 down" , "Sailing vessel" , "Fast boat; blade" , "Knife etc - sailing ship" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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