Vessel has tangled rope at bow (9)
I believe the answer is:
powerboat
'vessel' is the definition.
(powerboat is a kind of vessel)
'tangled rope at bow' is the wordplay.
'tangled' is an anagram indicator.
'rope'+'at'+'bow'='ropeatbow'
'ropeatbow' anagrammed gives 'POWERBOAT'.
'has' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for powerboat that I've seen before include "Fast vessel for racing or leisure" , "Fast motor craft" , "Fast water vessel" , "One quick on the surface" , "sporting vessel" .)