Just a few calculations from a current 402 driver:
MTOW 6300 lbs
Basic Aircraft Weight 4345 lbs (my one)
1 pilot(standard UK) 187 lbs
useful load(fuel+pax)=>1768 lbs
fuel for taxi 10 lbs
climb 80
destination 200(1hr @ 200lbs/hr)
(still air)
alternate 50
5% margin 16
approach 40
45mins holding 150(IFR)
Total fuel required => 546 lbs (still air)
Allowable Payload 1768-546=1222 lbs
8 passengers => 1222/8= 152 lbs per passenger
With 6 male pax,...I don't think so. Oh, and what about all your luggage...Damn.
Boring I know, but thought I'd just let you know how limiting the range/payload ratio is with the 402. Those of you from that neck of the woods will probably have a better idea of the destination fuel but I reckoned on 1hr flight time.
As for the CofG situation, if you don't load from the front to the back it will sit on its tail. Very sensitive, especially considering the large amount of room behind the rear seats into which you could fit a lot of baggage.