A recreational vessel over 20 feet LOA does not need a capacity plate. For example my C Dory25 does not have one.
The excepted "carrying capacity" of the Tom Cat is 1800 lbs, this came from a "Factory engineer" in the 2009 era.
Until a few years ago CG considered the "average passenger to be 150#. As of December 1, 2011, the Assumed Average Weight Per Person (AAWPP) of 185#. The 12 people capacity came from this weight limit of 1800 lbs back in the 150# AAWP.
You would be close with 9 people and any gear. (8 campers plus you).
A lot will depend on the weather. Your boat will have less tunnel clearance, and the ride may be wetter. If each of the passengers did weigh 185# and you had 240 worth of gear (plus all of your normal gear)--you would be over that capacity... However, the boat will not sink--may get some water in thru the scuppers, and be sure the bilge pumps are both working! I personally think that is pushing it at 1905#. Is the CG going to take action--very unlikely. If there were an accident, and a law suit ensued, then you might be in a compromised position.
To me the question is how will the cat handle with that weight? Two factors--one going into chop and swells, and the other is down swell/chop--you will have to be ready to shift weight if necessary. How fast will your acceleration be as well as boat reaction time--for example if a bow buries?
I would not do it--I have had 6 to 8, but they were small people including children, so I was probably under 1000#, including gear.
