A couple options

Best for the $

Best if $ wasn't an issue?

Brand to stay away from opinions

What are the must have options?

I have a buddy looking for a new boat, mainly open water fishing for sandbass and catfish and occasionaly bass. He currently has a cc skeeter.

How big is the CC Skeeter?

22'

The grayline tank takes up the space for another person to stand

This is going to be interesting!!!! Everyone that has a Cc is going to say their's is the best. I have a Nautic Star and there is nothing about this boat that I dislike. I have had it for about 1 1/2 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Good luck with your decision, getting a new boat is exciting!!!!

I am currently running the Skeeter 24V. They redesigned the whole line of center consoles. It is actually my second Skeeter. They have a new option for a bait tank that is filtered and incorporated as a leaning post. I may get that option next year if I sell the one im in. The V series is a little heavier and deeper v. It really handles big water like no other boat I've ever been in. The Bay series has a solid ride, but is
Lighter, faster, and drafts more shallow.

I looked at all the other makes and models before I got my new one last year. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you go with a 24' boat I think you will be happy with any you choose. Everyone makes a nice one. Just look at what options are musts for your type of fishing and choose accordingly.

If money was not a problem I would get a bigger boat to run off shore too. Thats just me.
I got a 19 ft BlueWave great boat for Bay fishing handles the big lakes fine BUT its light ( 10 inch draft) and drifts way to fast. But thats why it good in shallow water bay fishing.
Most of the boats I want are about $50,000 so thats not going to happen to my house and land are paid off.

Off shore capability isn't really a needed option for this one. 50,000$ isn't that much money in my buddies eyes.

Is there a brand that rules the roost? He like the Ranger cc's a lot

If 50,000 is nothing, he will like these
http://www.americanmarinesports.com/ams_ShearWater.html

I am in the process of getting a 24' CC and have been researching like crazy. I really like the Blue Wave 2400 Pure Bay, the one I have looked at has a 250 four stroke with it. Also looked at the Skeeter 24V and even the Sea Fox 240XT. The Sea Fox is about $10k less than the others but I am not sure what's going to happen with resale. I know at one point they had a bad reputation, for what I hear the new ones are much better. I had a Skeeter bass boat and the 24V center console looks lots better and super solid.

Also looked at a Tidewater 2400 Bay Max and that one was pretty solid and around $42,000 with a 225hp Mercury.

Just too many choices!!

If money wasn't at issue?

Boston Whaler!!

Whaler doesn't make a "bay boat" nor is whaler the industry leader it once was. Since the OP mentioned sandies and cats I would steer away from deep v style boats in my suggestions.

What does he dislike about his current cc skeeter? With those comments I could make some suggestions.

24 cc is too broad a category.

Since you mention a grayline I assume he likes to bait fish and since you mentioned standing room for another person then he frequently fishes with several people......because of that I would look for boats with more cockpit space and less deck space.

For example, Skeeter builds more from their bass boat roots and therefore they have more raised deck space which is great for casting in calm waters and is great for maximizing storage. not so great for multiple people with a bait tank.

Falcon, a popular boat on texoma, has nearly 100% cockpit space for compsrison.

Your buddy may want to look for something in between. Sea hunts bx series offers a decent compromise for example. Ranger is more similar to skeeter in my opinion.

[img]http://www.thehulltruth.com/megabbs-imagedisplay.php?pictureid=29547[/img]
Well then here you go.

Take a look at Tran Sport Boats XLR8 22'8" and 24'8".
http://texasoutdoorsportsman.com/tran/xlr8.php

If price isn't an concern--Yellowfin has the best made 24 ft boat out

http://www.yellowfinyachts.com/is24_1.html

Sea Hunt BX24 are great looking bay boats. If you are looking for a comfortable deeper V, look at their Triton line.