STRANDED while Rockhounding with Theo Kellison and Montana Rock Mom

[@susanmorseart4984]

Jet drives are notorious for picking up rocks and debris. A stainless steel screen over the bottom guard, and trim the motor up when approaching shallow water. Great hunt regardless!!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Susan, we have been looking at screens, but most sites say that putting anything over the grate makes you lose power on the jet... any suggestions?

[@sfbfriend]

@@KatyDidRocks I am assuming by now, one year later you solved the problem, yes a screen would, but a screen with a 3/8 grid would be helpful. Would a probably small sacrifice in power be worth this not happening again? Dunno, only a suggestion. Hope you did get it fixed though. Happy hunting

[@camilovergara6653]

Best rocks were the ones in your motor. Everything counts in the adventure and you should learn from everything in live! That is why I like you Kate, great attitude as always! Hope your boat can be fixed and to see you back in the river soon! Thanks for sharing

[@KatyDidRocks]

It's better already. :)

[@hockeyrace]

😩🫣. When I saw your title, I said aloud, “OMG! Oh man! not again! Poor Jim and Kate”. 😢 I wish I knew something about boats and could offer you a tip about a screen to use, but I haven’t got a clue. Jim will figure it out 😉 Beautiful rocks this adventure. I thought you weren’t going to pick up that big piece of dark pet wood but then you showed it cleaned off! Shazam! Gorgeous!! The nodule was super cool too! I never see anyone finding those often. Nice!! Thanks for bringing us on the river with you! Loved it! Love your channel 🤩 Stay Crystal 💫 Mari

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you! It was a learning experience, for sure - but we know more now than we did before. :)

[@rockandfound]

Theo is the man! Glad he has such a positive attitude.

[@KatyDidRocks]

He is a good fellow.

[@elainebates6967]

I enjoy watching you, Jim, Kim, and Theo find petrified and agatized wood. We had a really bad flood in early March 2022 and some places still have major damage to roads and landslides at the end of December 2022. So until repairs are finished I must watch all of you find the beautiful magic stuff for a while. Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventures.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you for joining us!

[@fenix02008]

Glad it all turned out ok. ( The boat motor is NO Rock Tumbler ) Good thing Jim is handy at repairs❣️Great to see Theo and Kim with ya❣️Your rescuers were a NICE reminder that even during ALL the unrest, we have GOOD people around us❣️Keep on Rockin❣️

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yes, it was a real blessing to find fellow boaters who had both the willingness and experience to get us back go the boat ramp. We are getting far too experienced at loading the boat by hand! :D

[@denniswheeler2645]

3 of my favorite rock hounds in 1 video.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yay!

[@denniswheeler2645]

@@KatyDidRocks that's what I said

[@stevemace1725]

Love that black agate, awesome. Also that flooding earlier probably brought some good stuff to light.

[@KatyDidRocks]

True story!

[@naomimakin1908]

Fantastic to see you all out together having a good time, that agatised wood 4.30 ish is a beauty. Broken motor just parts of the adventure..... 💜

[@KatyDidRocks]

It definitely is. :)

[@lornafinch8855]

So the boat's motor wanted to be a rock hound too and brought back it's own collection of pretty treasures. The four of you had some amazing finds.

[@KatyDidRocks]

It was a good trip, except for the engine part. :D

[@gregjones2217]

I re-watched the work on the motor. It reminded me of jumping overboard in a not really warm Buffalo bill reservoir to get sticks out of our jet pump. We changed inlet screens before the next trip and have had little trouble since. That's why I recommend the grid screen. Remember boat means bring out another thousand Best of luck

[@KatyDidRocks]

Greg, I have been looking for screens that might work with a jet, but everything I am finding says it just isn't possible. Do you have a recommendation?

[@Cliffwalkerrockhounding]

Haa! Boating and Theo do not mix. I loved that agatized wood. That prop guard looks like its acting like a vacuum and sucking those lil rocks up... even your boat wanted to get in on the rock hounding.

[@silverback5033]

Hi Katy, well I had a little giggle at your expense as soon as I saw the title, sorry about that. Good to see that you managed to have some time Rockhounding before the motor decided to give you a hard time. Nice to see MRM & Theo out with you, that’s a bonus. I did have a thought about the rocks in the impeller issue, that Jim could probably try. Maybe make a frame with some 1/4 inch stainless steel mesh that fits over the metal grates and clips on on from the out side so it is easily removed for cleaning or mesh replacement. Just a thought. Similar mesh as is in sieve mesh. Another good video, enjoyed it, including the giggle. Nice to know others also have issues on their trips. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

[@KatyDidRocks]

:D SB, we are new to jet motors - but the mesh screen appears to interfere with the water flow through the jet. Do you have suggestions?

[@silverback5033]

Katy, no I haven’t had anything to do with jet motors either. I’m sure you wouldn’t be the first ones to have this problem. I was just looking at the base of the jet intake metal grill and thought that a mesh screen might help. If you have some New Zealand subscribers they might be able to help, jet boating is far more popular there, though most of the one# I hav3 seen from there are inboard motors, not outboard, though they would have similar problems.

[@donnabeaudin9114]

You found some beauties! The agate with orange is Jasper is gorgeous!! When you were turning that huge piece of petrified wood in one hand, I was thinking “ooopretty…don’t drop it don’t drop it don’t drop it !” That thing could break a toe or two! So sorry about the engine, but a great time anyway with rock hounding friends!

[@KatyDidRocks]

It truly was fun. We gained some experience, and learned a lot. Next time will be better.

[@kylaabegglen1275]

Oh, I never would have thought that a few small rocks could cause that kind of havoc on a rockhounding adventure.🤔 That stinks! It looks like you all found some amazing rocks though. Kate I really like the agate with the crystals inside, a great big 😀 smile. All of the petrified wood you found is fantastic too. The agate that Jim found with red jasper is so cool, definitely a unique piece. You should call it an agaper.😄 You four are so incredible, I just love watching all of your videos. My husband knows a lot about boats Jim, I will ask him about those little rocks getting in and let you know what he says. Thank you for sharing your trip and beautiful finds Kate! Next time out will be awesome!!🤗

[@KatyDidRocks]

That would be great, Kyla. Thank you!

[@katiedid713926]

Geat trip regardless. Jim’s the man!

[@KatyDidRocks]

He definitely is.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Super adventure, problems give you opportunity to make memories.

[@KatyDidRocks]

I literally told them, “This will be a great story when it’s all over.” 😂

[@kimdedominicis6893]

Great video! So sorry for your trouble! Montana Rock Mom hasn’t made a new video in awhile! I’m so glad to see she’s ok!

[@KatyDidRocks]

[@zephyr983]

In our family, "an adventure!" was our code for Murphy taking the wheel.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Ha, exactly!

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

Learning experience! LOL. We all have all experienced those! (way too many). The rocks we love can always come back and do the unexpected to us. Great video Kate!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, Bruce. it really was a learning experience. :D

[@aydamercado6798]

What an adventure! Beautiful rocks!!!!!!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks!

[@stowestamp8262]

Sorry for motor troubles! Enjoyable rock finds though. They always say having a boat is a hole in the water for your money yo go in! Keep on posting your very enjoyable videos!

[@KatyDidRocks]

We at least learned something. :)

[@sarahporter9541]

Love it..and what an awesome group of friends to enjoy the adventure!!! That is how fun....and awsome adventures are made. You are blessed to be in a terrific rocking area! Montana..home sweet home.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Sarah, I literally said, as we were trying to paddle back, "This will be a great story... later."

[@largent45]

Wow Kate, I think the agate gods are angry! They keep wanting your motors as sacrifice!!! Not fair! Im so sorry! What a bummer. But at least you had theo and kim with you to help ease the stress, and jim is so handy and knew what it was! Im sorry things keep happening but at least it didnt cost you a new motor this time! Yay mr did! You are a big help jim! And when you get it all worked out, theo and kim will still be there! Thanks for the video. Its never easy but thankfully this time, it wasnt as hard as it could have been!

[@KatyDidRocks]

I was so grateful for the tow - folks on the river are good people.

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

Well a learning opportunity is good when its had by all... On to the next episode of keep on doing!

[@KatyDidRocks]

:D

[@cynthiaswain4070]

I know the video is 2 years old, but it sure looked like a fun adventure

[@michaelvandyke6715]

Totally awesome video and a few chuckles...👌😁 Love the material 🤠... You need to carry a big flat tip screwdriver 🪛 with you👌..

[@KatyDidRocks]

Michael, we have been educated rather quickly. :D

[@nicholasnewton6775]

Goodies goodies. I'm so jelly

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks!

[@rockrockprettyrock6594]

Another case of Murphy’s Law. Darn Murphy….whoever he was! Thank goodness for the kindness of the other boaters! I am glad it won’t be a super expensive fix. By the way, nice finds.

[@KatyDidRocks]

The worst part was having guests along! It was fun anyway.

[@nicolagraynewzealandrockho8976]

Brilliant adventure out. Shame about the motor. I grew up on the beach, my dad always had boats. They can be so much fun. Only takes a couple of pebbles. Maybe you could upgrade to a jet boat. Great video, beautiful finds.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Nicola, it IS a jet motor. But we are learning.

[@nicolagraynewzealandrockho8976]

@@KatyDidRocks Oh, it is too. Shows how much i know about boat motors. My dad would be shaking his head at me 😂😂😂😂

[@dolladollabillsyo7698]

I wish to go out with you guys one day. Man... what a day.

[@robbybobby6483]

You Rock!

[@KatyDidRocks]

:D

[@keithcunningham7925]

Man that sucks at least you got some good rocks good haul nothing will stop us from rock hounding lol

[@KatyDidRocks]

I was mostly upset that we couldn't keep going, since Kim and Theo made the trip down.

[@OregonRocks]

Amazing video. Sorry you got stuck, glad it was resolved without hurting the bank.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Me too, especially since it was only our second time out. :D

[@OregonRocks]

@@KatyDidRocks and both times with Theo, oh man. Haha

[@codyihler9881]

Heck of a way to polish your rocks, but to each their own. Lmao just kidding of course. Every rock Hunt is an adventure. Keep on doing! Maybe pull up the motor before ramming it into a gravel bar next time. Get her close and then paddle it in if necessary. Fun times and a laugh either way.stay safe.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Cody, Jim thought he pulled it up soon enough, but apparently not soon enough. I'm sure he'll be much more cautious next time - experience is a good teacher!

[@marknorthrup4897]

nice to see all of you together having a great day! I can't decide if Kim is about 5'2" or Theo is 6'4" heh. Sorry about the motor. That is the very reason I finally got rid of my little 14' boat and motor was that I couldn't fully trust it. I know my kayak always works heh.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Mark, as far as the heights, you are right on both counts. The motor is fine now - we just needed to clear the rocks. For me a kayak is great downstream, but then I can't get back up again! :D

[@seandonnaturley5832]

Awesome gravel!!!! May I suggest getting a small compact portable battery jumper. I never leave home without it when boating, camping or riding the trails with our side-by-side. It's very compact and can jump a boat/car battery several times on one charge. I use the "Audew 2000A Portable Jump Starter", it has saved me so many times. So worth the 100$ cost. Edit: I typed this comment as I was watching the video, glad it was nothing serious with the motor or battery, but I still reccomend the charger haha :)

[@KatyDidRocks]

This is an excellent suggestion - thank you!

[@deniseview4253]

Sad the new motor quit on you. Was a great rock hunt.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, Denise - it all turned out fine.

[@deniseview4253]

@@KatyDidRocks Mr. Did got the motor going after finding rocks in it?

[@raystevens687]

Hay Katie you ought to buy Jim a Captains hat for when he is out on the river.

[@KatyDidRocks]

That would be great!

[@judymarkel8029]

But you found rocks and were out on the river. WIN WIN

[@KatyDidRocks]

:D Absolutely.

[@helenburke9507]

Hi Katy. Wow. I have friends in Duffer. Next time u visit here we have got to get together. The large piece has opalized the wood. Or so I was told when I found a pice like that. Love this video. Y’all take care. Till next time. Good Rockin

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, Helen!

[@stevejuststuff2779]

Liked and subbed. Been a boater my whole life. Put an electric motor on the front for just such occasions. Great video

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you! What kind of electric motor do you use? Our jet has been good, but there is always that possibility. ❤️

[@stevejuststuff2779]

@@KatyDidRocks MinnKota Terrova. 80 lb thrust. You will love it.

[@gregjones2217]

Good to see I'm not to the only one with the same problem. Try a grid profile intake screen.

[@mr.katydid9745]

After the ordeal, I started looking for something like that, but everything I found seems to say that a grid causes air bubbles and cavitation. Have you got a link to something?

[@gregjones2217]

@@mr.katydid9745 our pump is on inbound. So we made a screen for it. A little cavitation is better that a jambed pump. I noticed the offending rocks were flat but relatively big around. Even a .75 o 1 inch screen would have saved you. I doubt that screen that large would cause much cavitation. We didn't notice any and we're running a small block v8 on a 22ft. Duckworth river boat. Anyway, best of luck with it and let me know if I can help. I sure enjoy you and Mrs did.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you, Greg!

[@1adventureafteranother]

I have close to the same boat setup as you. I have a 18' Smoker craft with a 40hp 4 stroke Yamaha jet. It's not very fast but always runs great, you just can't give it lots of gas when you are in real shallow water or you are just sucking up gravel. My son, girlfriend and I were on that exact gravel bar last year and got a couple good sized blue tint agates.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Awesome! I'll pass that on to Jim. :)

[@1adventureafteranother]

@@KatyDidRocks I had a learning curve going from a prop boat to a jet. When beaching a prop boat you can head to shore fast enough to beach the boat and just go to neutral and coast to shore. With a jet if you go to neutral you have no steering, you need to leave in FWD and just cut gas to idle but if you gun it you'll suck up rocks. The same for getting boat on trailer except you don't have to worry as much about rocks, just keep it under power until boat contacts trailer bunks then up the power until boat is up to winch. I just had to learn the hard way but I remember those lessons better than just reading it somewhere.

[@aliencat11]

Good heavens! What next!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Mary, I must say I couldn't believe it. But we learned from the experience.

[@savagesquirrel9828]

SO sorry that happened to you. Still…cool rocks! Very smart to go upstream first. Maybe an emergency sail?

[@KatyDidRocks]

Ha, I'm pretty sure we would capsize. I think getting more dependable paddles is in order, but really I think just learning more what we are doing is the main issue.

[@kirtnewton4108]

Put a 1/2 screen on the bottom, may loose little thrust but, what little rocks pick up will go through

[@KatyDidRocks]

We learned to lift the motor up at the right time, and now have a tool kit designed for the boat. :)

[@BubuH-cq6km]

your new motor got "Stoned" 😬

[@KatyDidRocks]

lol!

[@WonderlustAdventures]

Why oh why do I feel that KatyDid appreciates this comment? 🤔😉 Son’s intuition!

[@randalljones4370]

Always, always, always : 2 good oars. I've had to help row across the Columbia... not fun. Smart that you at least went UPriver. Less current to fight on the way back. Look into getting an impeller grate or screen. The motor manufacturer should have one that'd keep at least the larger 2 rocks out... the smaller third one was probably sucked up at the same time but would have passed through if it was the only one. (I'm totally guessing on that) As always, nice stones.

[@KatyDidRocks]

So, the issue of an impeller screen I've seen is that jet motors appear to be designed to only have the grate direct the water to the jet. The info I've seen is that a grate would impede that. Do you have any suggestions?

[@randalljones4370]

@@KatyDidRocks It is a matter of fluid dynamics design (I', not qualified, tho I took a few classes) and it very-much depends on the design of the impeller inlet. Some use a wide 'box' much bigger than the inlet with narrowly spaced bars, others look more like classic grates. Some flat, some angled. Ask the manufacturer which grates they recommend/make. (The salesman at the local boating store will usually try to sell whatever stock they have on hand) Then double-check on the jet-boat forums before buying ... there will be lots of experience (and big mouth/small-brains) there, so you have to sift for the diamonds in the rough. (Me = former engineer, now dentist... "fluid dynamics" for me now = a whole different thing, lol).

[@KatyDidRocks]

@@randalljones4370 Thank you, Randall, for your info! I'll send it on to Jim, who is the one who has to deal with all this motor stuff. :)

[@lyneece1956]

We got towed in once and picture 6 men standing around pondering what it could be. Someone accidentally hit the kill switch. Nice rock haul.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Ha, that's funny! Thanks for watching.

[@stevemace1725]

Only 3 rockhounds I watch Katy! Haven't seen one from mrm for months, seen one from Theo last week?

[@KatyDidRocks]

:) Theo posts weekly. Kim has just been taking a break.

[@j.ericswede7084]

Where did you get your cool bucket carrier? Here's an idea I found on a chat board, "A friend in Australia made one out of a cake cooling rack. Steel you can't bend with one inch square holes, ziptied on. So far so good. I'm planning on doing similar."

[@KatyDidRocks]

It's a company called Broll - they only sell through their website.

[@j.ericswede7084]

@@KatyDidRocks Thank you so much. You should get a commission.

[@marknorthrup4897]

also, you can probably attach a screen to the prop housing. it's either been done already in which case you can follow their example or you can innovate because i know you are a smart dude.

[@KatyDidRocks]

We're checking into it. It's a jet motor, so there is a specific water flow issue, but a screen would definitely keep those little rocks out.

[@lindaleehulsey3167]

Looks like a PUDDINGSTONE MICH8GAN Rock

[@KatyDidRocks]

It really does, right?

[@gwynnfarrell1856]

Well, isn't that an ironic tale! The very thing you took your boat trip to find ends up messing up your boat motor! Doggone. I hope there's a good solution. How nice of the other boaters to rescue you. And wow, did you find some beauties!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, Gwynn. It turned out well. :)

[@lorenkozuch6642]

I really like the rocks ya'll have there. I like the petrified wood and agates. I would like to get my hands on some of the petrified wood you find. How can I get some pieces 8/10"×3or4" ?

[@KatyDidRocks]

Hi, Loren. I list a box of petrified wood on my Etsy store - the link is in the video description. 😊

[@savagesquirrel9828]

Jim found a pudding agate!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Right?

[@offyarocka]

the boats a rockhound tooo hahahahahaha

[@KatyDidRocks]

Ha!

[@offyarocka]

@@KatyDidRocks i hope there is an easy and inexpensive fix for the boat issue. i wonder if a fish finder might help just for the purposes of getting water depth readings as i suspect with that type of motor you wouldn't want to get to close to the river floor. Maybe a metal fabricator could make a smaller meshed guard for the intake?

[@williamscoggin1509]

Make sure you ask which is better stainless or aluminum. For your type River traveling in the shallow with lots of rocks the aluminum may be to your advantage because it has some give to it. The steel might come closer to tearing up your bearings on your shaft if you suck up another rock. Just saying 👍🏻

[@KatyDidRocks]

We plan to ask the experts - since obviously we are not.

[@garyh4691]

Many u will Cary 2 full size paddles at all times

[@KatyDidRocks]

We are learning! :D

[@tashacano3324]

Isn't there some kind of mesh cover you can use?

[@KatyDidRocks]

Apparently not - it has to do with water fluid dynamics. :)

[@jefftrag1956]

Whenever possible go upstream and come back down stream. Rowing home will be easier.

[@KatyDidRocks]

LOL, oh, we did! It was still pretty slow going - I was awfully grateful for the tow.

[@anniegironne8444]

At least, you were with good company. Sorry about the motor.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you, Annie!

[@bokunokintama5523]

I need to see the black agate or agatised wood at 10:05 get cut on drogon or something asap!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Or my own saw. :D Me too - I sure want to know What's Inside.

[@Kat-ve9dd]

Everything we were told was worthless, arrowheads, rocks, ...i live on lake erie...are now pecious thanks

[@lindaleehulsey3167]

FLOOD LEFT STUFF IN RIVER 🚣‍♀️ MOTOR SNAG SOMETHING.......? 😥 Gotta wait 3 hours.......

[@KatyDidRocks]

:D

[@betojdesigns]

What ???? No way you got stranded. I was just thinking about your last video, and how awesome it is with the new boat motor so you can get to untouched places. That stinks… I’ll have to watch this video to see what happened 😢

[@KatyDidRocks]

Hahaha, all's well that ends well! We made it back, found the problem, and learned a lesson. :)

[@betojdesigns]

Omg, those rocks wanted to go home with you Katy. They were screaming pick me, pick me when they hurled themselves into the rotor ( or whatever that piece is called).

[@maryhutt4263]

WHY SUCH A BIG MOTOR FRR THE SIZE OF THE BOAT

[@KatyDidRocks]

Hi, Mary! The motor is actually fairly small for the size of the boat, as it is a 60/40 jet motor. Because we have to fight the river’s current, the size is just barely big enough!

[@bokunokintama5523]

It makes me a tad bit angry when you get mad about finding agates over 10x bigger than my best find and 100x more beautiful... I dream of being able to afford to go to the Yellowstone. Does it matter where you go on the river or are there large agates everywhere you go on the river?

[@KatyDidRocks]

I understand. But Montana Agates tend to be far bigger than most. My biggest is 9.2 lbs. So we have a different frame of reference. :)