> I think I will create my own gel coat using epoxy resin and some fillers.

Not saying this will not work, but such filled epoxy mold surface resins are standard items available from pretty much every supplier. No need to risk loss of time, materials and money, just use something that is proven to work.

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.

My plan is to paint everything and to keep it all looking original as much as possible