Distance achieved by missile, front of boat's on fire? (7)

I believe the answer is:

bowshot

'distance achieved by missile' is the definition.
(distance an arrow flies)

'front of boat's on fire?' is the wordplay.
'front of boat's' becomes 'bow's' (nautical term).
'on fire?' becomes 'hot' (set on fire).
'bows'+'hot'='BOWSHOT'

(Another definition for bowshot that I've seen is " measurement of weapon's range".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app