Original Message

You will be flying an illegal aircraft unless you do the paperwork and file a FAA 337 form and documents and also have an FAA sign off and inspection done for FAA approval.  But what can go wrong, R44 over a hundred miles of water.  Use stainless steel clamps they won't scratch quite as bad as galvanized and I'm sure they have been tested for vibration failure times when strapped on to an R44's skids because the skids are the critical node points for helicopters.  Personally I wouldnt even consider my fuel burn when I got there because the rich guy is going to want you to give everyone on the boat a helicopter ride.  Look on the bright side.  Its only a hundred miles home and going home you always have a good tailwind !  I know its hard to build flight time, just use your head so you can stay around to build it.