Triple Suzuki DF350 Powers Waterskiing World Record at Big Pull 2022

A single towboat equipped with three Suzuki DF350 outboard engines achieved a remarkable waterskiing milestone at the 2022 Big Pull event in Mosinee, Wisconsin. The boat successfully pulled 16 trios—48 waterskiers in total—establishing a new world record for the most skiers pulled by a single boat. The crew performed the lift twice during the event, demonstrating both the engines’ capability and the high level of coordination among boat operators and skiers.

Events like the Big Pull require powerplants that combine strong low-end torque for the initial pull and sustained top-end performance to keep a large group of skiers on plane. In this case, the trio of Suzuki DF350s provided the necessary thrust and reliability. The DF350 features a large-displacement V-6 cylinder block and twin contra-rotating propellers. This twin-prop arrangement improves the propellers’ grip in the water, helping the engines translate torque into forward motion more efficiently—an important factor when pulling dozens of skiers at once.

Beyond raw power, achieving a record of this scale depends on precise teamwork. Drivers, spotters, tow-line handlers, and the skiers themselves must coordinate timing, balance, and communication to execute a successful lift. The Big Pull community has been staging record attempts and coordinated pulls since 1999, drawing waterskiers from across the United States to Mosinee each year to push the limits of what can be achieved by a single towboat and a committed team.

George Blakely, executive vice president of sales & service for Suzuki Marine USA, commented on the accomplishment, noting the company’s pride in supporting the event. He emphasized the scale of the achievement and congratulated the drivers, support crew and skiers for their skill and teamwork. Their coordinated effort, combined with the reliable performance of the DF350s, made the two successful lifts possible.

While engine selection is critical, safety and planning are equally important for large-scale pulls. Organizers and participants typically follow strict safety protocols, including pre-run checks of tow lines and connections, clearly defined roles for safety personnel, and contingency plans in case of equipment or environmental issues. The Big Pull’s longevity and continued success are tied to this attention to preparation and the experience of the community that supports it.

The design features of the DF350 make it well suited to heavy-duty towing applications where consistent, controllable power is required. The combination of a sizable V-6 displacement and dual contra-rotating props helps reduce slippage and improves directional stability under heavy loads. For waterskiing events and other towing-intensive uses, these characteristics translate into smoother, more controllable pulls—qualities that matter both for performance and safety.

In addition to the technical aspects, the 2022 Big Pull highlighted the camaraderie and passion within the waterskiing community. Competitors and volunteers work together to stage complex lifts that require rehearsal, trust and a shared commitment to safety. Record attempts like this one showcase not only the capabilities of modern marine propulsion but also the human coordination and planning that make such feats possible.

The successful two-stage lift by a single boat at Mosinee underscores how advances in outboard technology, combined with experienced crews, can expand the boundaries of what’s achievable in team waterskiing. For attendees and participants, the event reinforced the value of reliable equipment, meticulous preparation and the teamwork required to set—and then break—world records.