What is a king plank?
A king plank is a filler piece in a laid timber deck: the centreline plank that separates the planking on the port side from that on the starboard side. In Dutch it is called a vissingstuk, also vissingplank or vissing. It is the connecting part around the mast or, where there is no mast, in the middle of the deck. The meaning of the Dutch term varies between inland, sea-going and pleasure craft: on inland vessels vissing refers to the structural parts around the mast, while in building light timber boats and laying decks it means the centreline plank.
Characteristics
- Position: on the centreline of the deck, running fore and aft. Around the mast the piece is often wider or lobe-shaped.
- Thickness: the same as the deck planks, so that the deck stays flush.
- Material: usually teak, like the rest of a classic deck.
- Connection: the deck planks curve in towards the centre and their ends are nibbed into the king plank.
- Margin planks: the planks along the outer edges of the deck are the margin planks, into which the other planks are nibbed at the sides.
Application
- Ship decks: on yachts, launches and traditional vessels with a laid timber deck.
- Ship deck flooring in homes or on terraces: if you want a genuine deck look, you can use a king plank as the centre piece and fit the boards to it.
Tips
- Lay from the centre: start with the king plank on the centreline and work out to both sides. This keeps the pattern symmetrical.
- Use the same species and thickness as the deck planks, otherwise you get differences in height and colour.
- Caulk or seal the seams around the king plank as carefully as the other seams: around the mast in particular there is a lot of water and movement.
- Agree on the terminology: names for deck parts are not used the same way everywhere. When working from a drawing, agree which part is meant.
Related terms
- Ship deck flooring
- Decking board
- Hardwood
- Caulking
- Sealant
- Parquet floor
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.