I've spent a good deal of time in this boat since last summer, and I'd say that he Canada spec of seven people is about right for how many you'd want to put in it max. Yes, you could fit nine people, but I don't think they'd be very comfortable. With seven, you could have three sitting in the back, two in the captain and passenger seats, and another two in the bow, and all would have sufficient elbow room, assuming they're all of average size or smaller. It's a great boat - you're going to enjoy it!
