The reels are back in the boats (6)
I believe the answer is:
sloops
'boats' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'the reels are back' is the wordplay.
'the reels' becomes 'spools' ('spool' can be a synonym of 'reel').
'are back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'spools' written backwards gives 'SLOOPS'.
'in the' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for sloops that I've seen before include "Sailing vessels rigged fore and aft" , "ships" , "Boats" , "sailing vessels follow" .)