Hey Jamin,
I got my A&C last year and it was really not a difficult build. I actually started my build towards the end of June and with some really long hours I completed the build the end of September.
As for the gelcoat, gelcoat is color application process that is commonly used on fiberglass boats. A&C can give you any color you want except metallics and pearls. The A&C gelcoat is superb as you can see from Roscoe's ride. I have seen Roscoe's ride this past October and the finish looks showroom.
One drawback to a gelcoat finish is that you can't get it with stripes. I took my body to a local paint shop and they scuffed the gelcoat finish, then taped and shot the stripes and then clear coated the entire body. The stripes are now buried beneath the clearcoat with no edge ridge. The clearcoating adds depth and luster to the gelcoat finish.
Here's a pic of my A&C:
