A total of 145 water-skiers in Tasmania have set a new world record for the highest number to be pulled behind a single boat.

Some 154 water skiers from all over the world set off on the record bid to ski a full nautical mile inside Australia's Macquarie Harbour in Strahan.

Despite nine skiers falling along the way, those remaining on their skis were enough to beat the previous record of 114 set by the same team.

The 114ft catamaran, which normally takes tourists on tours of the area, was specially modified with different propellers and a 308ft aluminium boom to prevent skiers' ropes from becoming tangled.

Organisers said five miles of ski rope was used for the new record which The Guinness Book of Records is expected to offically recognise within the next few months.