Times 23931

[johnpiper]

Skilful deisgn M-A_ (4)

16 across-well-constructed vehicle, an australian van,seen round american city (7-3)

23 Asked to get subjected to search (7)
-E---G-T

21 down fishing boat. one that heels (6) ___KER

[Tichfield]

1. mean

23 besought

[johnpiper]

Thanks

[Marijn]

Hooker is a fishing boat, but I don't know why it heels.

[Lie-in King]

21d Hooker - (Rugby - he "heels" the ball from the scrum)

[johnpiper]

maybe reference to prostitute? heels

[johnpiper]

you are right!
of course

[Lie-in King]

Do you have any letters for 16a?

[shaking]

16 armored car ?

[johnpiper]

yes
-R_I-U_ A - E
7,3

[Lie-in King]

If it were (10) instead of (7,3), then -

Articu-la-te - Artic + ute (Aus van) (round) LA

[johnpiper]

and i could have saved myself about an hour as it is indeed ten letters and i had artic and la
what an idiot!
thank you

[GRM]

Don't know whether it helps, but according to my copy (printed from the Times website) 16a is (10) not (7,3).

[johnpiper]

it is 10
mis read the clue underneath which is 7,3
probelm solved!