Hey Wingman,
Cam's right, for the performance orientated sailor the CD 26 probably isn't the best choice. All CD's are of the full keel type, with the exception of the Intrepid models, and therefore too much wetted surface to fit into the performance category. But I doooo like a full keel!
I owned a sweet little Typhoon and have sailed on a 28 and 30 footer. When things get snotty, I'll take a CD over a performance boat! Then again I'm in no hurry....ever. You can't beat a CD's motion in a seaway or in a chop for that matter. And if attentive, the CD's can move well in light air as well.
Interiors are simple, very functional and the craftsmanship top notch. With a family of 3, the 26 footer sounds a little tight to me. The outboard well model has a little more room for STUFF but I like the diesel model for the control in a seaway(no cavitation). There's those darned trade-offs!
If your looking for performance, I'd look elsewhere. But for a nice little solid family cuiser, you would be hard pressed to find better one than the CD 26, IMHO. Good luck with the search.
Bob