I believe Mashpee still charges $7 a boat for tournies. There is no cut off. We all paid the fee last year and it as after labor day. Maybe I am wrong but everyone should be prepared to pay $7
Naturally you cant cover as much ground in a topper in the same amount of time as a big boat can. That's not to say it's impossible. In fact, we've competed and finished higher than big boats in the past in our own topper. It still wouldn't be my first choice is all. Good luck though for real if that's what you'll be in. You still gotta put the fish in the boat, but it sure is more comfortable at a place like Mashpee in a big boat than in a topper in my opinion.