> One would think that a tarp would use less material and be easier to manufacture than the equivalent number of plastic balls.
How do you suspend the tarp? What about when it rains on the tarp, increasing its weight substantially? Repair the tarp when sections get damaged? UV resistance over its lifetime?
Using barges/boats and dragging it from shore-to-shore is very slow going, and any suitably durable tarp (i.e. waxed canvas or some plastic) is going to be HEAVY.
How do you suspend the tarp? What about when it rains on the tarp, increasing its weight substantially? Repair the tarp when sections get damaged? UV resistance over its lifetime?
Using barges/boats and dragging it from shore-to-shore is very slow going, and any suitably durable tarp (i.e. waxed canvas or some plastic) is going to be HEAVY.