@gt2003, there are a lot of great used boats out there that will fit your needs and provide an open bow, most makers made a 'comp style open bow or play pin' during the 2000s, look around and if you can ski before you buy do it. You might be able to get something well under your budget as your 'entry inboard' and save some funds for new skis for you and GF. Besides SSLxi, Response OB, SNOB and MC197, there are open bow Centurions, MBs, Supras and as you have found Moombas.
Good Luck