The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word AFLOAT
A
F
L
O
A
T
More clues leading to the result AFLOAT
- A case for frail boat not starting in the water
- At sea in a launch
- Solvent officer originally occupying an apartment
- At sea, a duck coming in low.
- Buoyant intro from Offenbach in black key
- A change in store at sea?
- A change for shopkeepers on board
- One part of carnival procession on the water
- How one might be in a pool?
- A launch at sea
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "in the water" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in the water = afloat.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does AFLOAT mean?
AFLOAT adverb- Floating
- Covered with water bearing floating articles; flooded.
- Out at sea.
- Making successful progress under one's own steam.