Dictionary definition of “whiskey plank”

whiskey plank

n. the board which completes construction of a ship’s or boat’s hull. Subjects: English, Nautical, Slang

Editorial Note: By tradition, whiskey is drunk at the completion of the hull of a naval vessel, as indicated in the citations.

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Citations: 1960 Walter Muhonen Los Angeles Times (May 1) “Ebb and Flow” p. OC1: There is, fortunately, a ritual that differs from this wasteful ceremony that is known as the placing of the whisky plank. When the last plank is in place on the hull of a ship which is being built, work is stopped briefly and all hands are poured a tot of whisky to celebrate. 1987 Washington Post (Sept. 20) “Exterior to Be Added To Pride of Baltimore II” p. B07: Completion in November of the planking will represent the most important construction milestone for the Pride and will be celebrated by a traditional shipwright’s whiskey plank party. 2006 Brian Hicks Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina) (July 22) “One last plank and a shot of whiskey make it real”: The whiskey plank, as it is called because sailors traditionally have a drink or ten after they finish planking a ship’s hull, was cut to fit by Teddy Huff, who has been working at the shipyard about five months.…When he put the final bolt in place, a cheer went up across the shipyard.

Posted 18 Aug 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend