Hey man! My first Vdrive was an 01 XStar, so I know that hull well. I've owned a bunch of different boats over the years, as have my friends. I have a ton of time between the mid- 2010's SANTE 230's (I owned 3), '10/'12 Axis A22's (I owned 2), '13 Wakewetter 23 LSV (owned 1), '14 Axis A24's (owned 1), '15 Wakesetter 22 VLX (owned 1), '18/'19/'20 Wakesetter 23 LSV (owned 3) and a '21 Wakesetter 25 LSV. My friends own/have owned multiple G23's, newer era Axis T22/T23/A22/A24's.
Here's my advice: Decide what your priorities are in terms of fit and finish and creature comforts vs. performance vs. cost. You are coming from an older MC, which is a great boat, with excellent fit and finish for its time. The technology of your boat is going to be somewhat outdated, but it's all reliable and easy to use. Your boat is going to feel tiny compared to anything from the 2013 forward generation of inboards, which all began transitioning to surf boats, as that is when all of the surf technology hit.
Personally, if I were you, I'd try to get into something 2013 forward with a surf system, as that will definitely help resale over time. Also, to the extent you surf, it really just makes it way easier to enjoy your boat. In your price range, can honestly say I love the wake behind the A22 and A24 series. It's always been stellar. Those boats will have very basic controls, which are comparable to what you have now, but a 2014-2017 A22/A24 with a surf system should fit your budget.
If you can find a smoking deal on a 2013/14 21 VLX or 23 LSV or a SANTE 210 with NSS, I think you'd also be happy with the fit and finish, as well as the wake/wave. Those boats are just diamonds in the rough right now, unfortunately.
I found the wake behind the 230 series to be somewhat inconsistent and temperamental when weighted heavy. The G23 series obviously throws a monster wake - way more than I could ever handle - but they prices are still super high.
Just my .02 man! Best of luck hunting.
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