Hi

I have this available at my work that's why I've considered this and the idea is to keep the cost to a minimum. Epoxy is a learning curve for me thats why I have been asking for ideas, as in my trade polyester is standard. Epoxy is rarely used, only for the odd small repair. 

I would be a little dubious of using an epoxy gel coat unless you are going to paint it.  My experience on boats is that the epoxy resin deteriorates in sunlight.  Where I have used epoxy resin with glass fibre for repairs I have coated it with a polyurethane resin gel coat for protection.

Russell.