Sundeck Sport 188 OB Seating Capacity

First up, I'm just completing the purchase of my first ever boat - the SS 188 OB.  I'll be taking delivery later this week.  I'm 59 and can't remember a time in my life I didn't want to own a boat.  Needless to say the Mrs. and I are excited about becoming recreational boaters. 

Anyway, on to my question.  I know the specs say max passenger capacity of 10.  When we sat on the boat at the dealership and on the water, 10 seemed like it would be out of reach for an all-adult passenger load.  As we looked around, we figured 8 would probably be the most adults we would ever want to try and load up, and 6 would probably be the ideal max.  During my test run I had 2 friends along so it was me, the salesman and them for 4.  We were of course very comfortable and could easily see 2 more fitting without problems.  But it sure seems like it would get pretty crowded after that.

The reason it is on my mind is one of my adult sons is coming home at the end of the week and bringing some friends with him.  We haven't told him about the boat purchase yet.  He thinks I've reserved a rental pontoon boat for their planned day out on the water.  We're just going to surprise him by pulling up to the marina where I'll be keeping the boat rather than going to the rental location. He originally was bringing 3 people along, which would have put 6 on board for our maiden voyage - me, the Mrs, son, plus 3 friends.  But now he informs me he's bringing a fourth friend.  So we need to handle 7 people comfortably for a day out on the water.  I won't be pulling any tubes or skis.  This is a leisurely day of cruising, swimming, beach roaming etc, on the bay where we live - Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida.

My wife and I have typical middle-age spread but the rest of the gang are all late 20/early 30, fit and trim young adults.

Would appreciate any 188 owners letting me know of their experience with similar passenger loads.

Many thanks!