Fiberglass vs gel coat?

[toofun]

I am always been interested in making some panels and other various parts but have always had no idea on how to make the molds to do it. I have been told that fiberglass is the easiest to work with although messy. Someone else told me about gel coating. What is the major difference in cost, skill etc...

Also, would it be better to make a mold out of fiberglass and then spray the product in gel coat? Again I am a novice and am intrigued with trying it out so I am open to any suggestions.

Mark
TOOFUN