Where are you talking about?
I have a combination of a permanent course and floating course on our lake. The floating course gets pretty beat up. I ended up putting surgical tube from the PVC to the balls and it has helped. All balls are filled with water. Have only had to fix 2 balls on the permanent gate.
Get in touch with Greg Lanich for questions with getting the ODNR stuff through. I have drawings on cad of permanent course anchors for your permit. My good friend who is an excavator has helped us with setting the course up, GPS guidance to within 1/4". Drop me a line with any questions.
I personally would not drive any rebar into your river/lake. If it gets pulled out of the ground partially, it could impale a boat or person. I have 4" steel pipe in between our gates, it has not moved.
Tim Cochrane
tim.cochrane@gmail.com
Chippewa Lake Waterski Club