Local vessel that's managed single-handedly? (7)
I believe the answer is:
tankard
'local' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'vessel that's managed single-handedly?' is the wordplay.
'vessel' becomes 'tank' (tank is a kind of vessel).
'that's managed single-handedly?' becomes 'ard' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'tank'+'ard'='TANKARD'
(Other definitions for tankard that I've seen before include "Beer-mug" , "One-handled beer mug" , "Drinker's pot" , "Vessel tracked" , "A drinking mug with handle" .)