Crossword Genius

Move stealthily from front of boat at length (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prowl

'move stealthily' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'front of boat at length' is the wordplay.
'front of boat' becomes 'prow' (nautical term).
'at' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'length' becomes 'l' (abbreviation in geometry).
'prow'+'l'='PROWL'

'from' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for prowl that I've seen before include "Move in a predatory manner" , "Move about with unlawful intentions" , "Nose around" , "Skulk" , "Walk menacingly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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