I bought a boat cover this week from Cabelas. I lucked out I thought and found what I needed in the bargin cave. Long story short Rex the gentlemen working back in that section and I opened the box to make sure everything was there and It did appear to have never been unrolled and the 6 side straps were there. I asked about the ratchets and he assured me they would be on the cover. Long story short there were no ratchet straps and no instructions. I know when you buy stuff in bargin cave it is as is and I understand that. Can some one please tell me how this system works and can I just buy some harbor freight ratchet straps? Any and all input is appreciated. I will post a few pictures to show which model I think was in the box. It is on my boat now but definitely not close to be secured correctly.

Are there existing loops or something in the cover that provide a location for a ratchet? Or is the end of the strap supposed to be sewn into the cover material itself?

Seems like if there isn't a loop to tie to, find some gal (or guy I guess) that knows how to use a sewing machine. Put some thick canvas loops on the edge of the cover and get you some tie downs, rope, bungees, or whatever you prefer to keep it tight to the boat.

Anyone else got any ideas and how these are supposed to work?

My ratchet straps are on the end of the cover in a pocket and you will know because it's heavy plus it should have an area where there is a zipper pocket on both sides. On both ratchet straps there should be a clip and hook up that you even out behind your transom or jack plate if you have one. You let out both straps to connect the hook up and try to get it 50-50 and what I do is grab the extra rope and pull both at the same time until they are pretty even and then ratchet one side at a time until they're tight and put the ratchet's and rope back in the pouch and zip it up. Like I said you will know if the ratchet's are there because of the weight and pocket zipper. Good luck.