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Any boat left in the water more than 1 month should have bottom paint, a recommendation I hate to make since I don't like bottom paint at all. But many do not have a choice if that is how they plan to use their boat.

The only way to avoid the paint is to pull the boat out RELIGIOUSLY every two weeks, and clean it up with "Instant Hull Cleaner", either sprayed or wiped on. Starbrite makes it, and you can get the same thing by SeaSense at Walmart. A coat of wax on the bottom and sides will help, but it's a lot of work, and each application of the hull cleaner (basically an oxalic acid misture) will remove the wax. Stay away from that MaryKate On-Off phosphoric acid stuff - way too strong for your gelcoat.

You do want to keep the bottom buffed out, since that smooths the gelcoat surface and eliminates a porous surface which will soak up water. Yes, any gelcoat will eventually absorb some water, and then you get blistering, etc. Not good. I would let the bottom dry out for a day before putting it back in after each cleaning.