I'm familiar with the Kelty Noah 9 tarp; and I say try adding some tieouts before doing any other alterations. As the tarp was designed with pitching it on the diagonal; pitching it in the rectangular shape does'nt fly. Ok, pun intended. I thought the same, why did Kelty not put enough tieouts on the dang tarp so that it could be rigged either way and still be taut when pitched <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

If you just add some tieouts to the ridgeline and it does'nt work out then you still have basically the same tarp. If you cut it then you have what's left, whehter you like it or not <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

A 9 x 9 for what it's worth always worked for my Clark hammock. An 8 x 8 is for use in drier, less likely to be wet areas IME.

Take some pictures maybe if you can to show it in both attitudes so folks can better understand what you are asking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />