Mark, I'll answer your later questions first. Polyester resin and epoxy resin are two different critters. Polyester=strong smell + poor adhesion to plywood, Epoxy = much less smell + great adhesion to plywood

There are numerous brands of epoxy, there are pluses and minuses to each. Price vs amine blush vs no amine blush vs what's available nearby vs what your best friend likes to use vs what your best friend doesn't like to use. I see that you are in British Columbia. I don't know what the marketplace is like there however I know that www.fiberglasssupply.com is located in Northwest Washington so if you have to have epoxy and fiberglass shipped or in case you want to make a trip back to the mainland and south into Washington they have most major brands and a good supply of fiberglass, cleaners, tools etc. If you do a search on fiberglassing and or epoxy here on the site's search bar you can examine discussions on techniques, the pros and cons of different formulations of epoxy and such. System III has a great free publication that lines out the basics of using epoxy to laminate fiberglass to a boat. You don't have to choose their product but many of their suggestions are sound, especially those on using epoxy safely. You'll find that vinegar is your friend.

If you were to post some pictures of your boat we can better answer your specific questions about where to apply and what to apply. If you need help with the pictures I have helped many and would be hapy to help you too.

Welcome aboard,

Rick Newman