Oops, back to the dodger: it's definitely a personal, Human issue, not a boat performance one...so for the comfort of the skipper and his/her "stuff" a dodger is a must, but for sailing performance, don't need one. I was looking at doing a "pram hood" hard-style over the hump, but decided against it, mostly due to windage and also want to be able to remove it if I have to, quickly, in crapola weather.
Bilge pump: I don't have electric one, as if you are away from boat and have a big enough leak that demands a bilge pump full time, your batteries will run out before you ever beat the leak.
If your boat has enough of a leak that you need auto bilge pump...fix the leak. And if it just has an annoying "rainwater into the bilge", or "water everywhere while underway" "leak", then the boat will take ages to fill up to sinking point, and you can manually pump out as you go along, and if boat is at a marina, hopefully you would be down there checking on her once a month. Also, keep thru-hulls closed at all times, unless actually using them, oil/grease them regularly.
Adrian..Stefan is right, if you need more room, you need MORE room, and you won't find a whole lot more in a Contessa 32, especially with three kids! ;-) I was suggesting smaller boats if budget was an issue, and budget is never just the purchase price alone, but of course the moorage, winches, and other stuff you need for her...having a Co26 is better for the budget than having a Co32! But to keep with the full keel and go with a larger boat...Alberg 30 or larger (Albergs are good value for $$), but for price of a Contessa 32, you could move into Pacific Seacraft range, or Bristol Channel Cutter...now there's a beauty of a boat! But, again, I am very fond of the full keels...if you are coastal cruising...you are unlimited in your choice, but for offshore, I'm a hopeless romantic and will stick with the full keels...plus they take care of a dope like me out there!
“You get a boat for only one reason, because you want one. If you’re worried about being practical, forget boats.”