One helping to hold up the boat? (5)
I believe the answer is:
davit
This clue might be a double definition.
'one helping to hold up' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.
'boat?' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for davit that I've seen before include "nautical equipment" , "device for lowering boat" , "Crane-like device for suspending or lowering ship's boats" , "Lifeboat crane" .)