Moved your post to thread of it's own. The Porta-Bote section isn't real busy, so you should have a better chance for help when it bounces to the top of the forum as a new topic.
Hi , Bob -- I made a template from the one that came with my 10" bote. You start off with a 5' length of 2.75" wide x 3/4" thick hardwood. you will need a 1.25" dia hole drill (a nested set of various sizes works fine). send me your address, and I'll mail you a copy.