Kreg jigs and lap/ship

[David Winton]

I've just purchased some beautiful reclaimed heart pine, with which I plan to build some benches (the sit-on type).  I'm joining two 7" wide (80" long) sections to one another (side-by-side), and because it is reclaimed lumber, the shiplap joints are not tight.  Thickness is 1 1/2" so it's pretty sturdy that way.

I have been advised to shave the ship (or the lap...I'm still not sure which is which) with my table saw which will make the shiplap joint tighter.  Then glue and use a length under the joint as the binder, skipping the pocket hole joint altogether.

But what if I used the kreg? I'm concerned that the small gap between the reclaimed boards won't take to the pocket screw system as well because there will be small gaps between the screw threads. 

I sort of like the imperfections of the shiplap so am reluctant to get rid of them.  But I don't want to compromise strength, especially as this will be a long bench.  

Thanks folks