Bill...
I used a combination of old and new parts for my hoist. Like Matt, I bought 1/2" eyebolts and a winch. The rest is either old or current parts. The lines are actually my spare spin sheets. The line that goes to the winch is the mainsheet from my Tiger. I planned to raise (in winter) and lower (in spring) the boat once. The lines aren't being used for sailing so I decided to use and save a few $$$. The Tiger platform weighs about 270 lbs (sans mast, sails, rigging, etc). With a four point hoist, each eyebolt/block needs to support about 70 lbs. A Cats weigh next to nothing . Just be sure your blocks have an adequate SWL (safe working load) and don't use wimpy eyebolts.

Mike...
The snowthrower might be small...but it's got muy grande huevos I might be using it sooner than planned...it's snowing outside right now

Todd...
You know what they say about Uggs...it's always summer on the inside