Steps around the pub to see the boats (8)

I believe the answer is:

pinnaces

'the boats' is the definition.
(pinnace is a kind of boat)

'steps around the pub' is the wordplay.
'steps' becomes 'paces' (pace is a kind of step).
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'the pub' becomes 'inn' (an inn is a type of pub).
'paces' going around 'inn' is 'PINNACES'.

'to see' is the link.

(Another definition for pinnaces that I've seen is " vessels".)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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