Propelled boat and floated, heading off (5)

I believe the answer is:

oared

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'propelled' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for oared that I've seen before include "ready for a row" , "Rowed" , "Adore (anag.)" , "Having something to pull on" , "(Of a boat) provided with rowing blades" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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