Time for a new boat - Need sugestions.

I just got into water sports this year. Tried skiing for the first time in late September and wake boarding not too long after that. Now I’m hooked. I am NOT looking forward to winter, I have been trying to get out on the water with my wakeboard as much as work will allow the last few weeks. I figure if I can’t ride during the winter, I might as well to the next best thing and work on a boat for next season.

My current ride is a 1979 Hydra-Sports Playmate 120 with a 115 Evinrude. Far from ideal, but the price was right. It was a boat my dad bought when he graduated from college and had been sitting in a barn since ’89. He said it was mine if I wanted it.

Obviously I am a beginner, but I would like to get something that will last me a few years before I need to upgrade to somthing else. My budget is somewhat limited as my wife and I are saving to buy a house and this is just a “toy” I would like to find something in the $4000 - $6000 range, seat 6 comfortably and look somewhat “modern” Any suggestions on what to look for? What would be a far asking price for my boat? I’m hopping to get enough of out it to buy a tower and a swim platform.