One thing I noticed while surfing around looking at other paddling pages is that no one mentioned anything at all about getting your boat to the water. Well I guess I'll have to be the first.
SHUTTLE VEHICLE
Your shuttle vehicle can be anything that runs. Just make sure it runs well. There is nothing worse than missing a day on the water because your car can't get you there. Do yourself a favor and join AAA. If you have to get towed once in your lifetime it is worth the price of admission. you'll never have to buy another state map again either, they're all free.
ROOF RACKS
My first roof rack wasn't one at all. It was simply a rubber router pad that I purchased for about eight bucks at Home Depot. You just place it on your roof and tie down the boat with the proper knots and away you go. Please don't do what I did. There is nothing more scary than watching your boat sliding off the back of your car at 65 mph. Buy yourself a proper rack made by one of the companies that are designed to custom fit your vehicle. Two of the best are Yakima and Thule.
BOAT CARTS
I purchased my first boat cart about three years ago and I don't know how I ever got by without one before. I got mine from Deluge. What I like most about using the cart is that I can completely load the boat for a day trip right next to the car. I then only have to make one trip to the water. Because I paddle a large volume boat I can fit the folded cart into my rear hatch. I usually roll the cart right into the water and float the loaded boat off. I then reverse the process at the end of the day. Just make sure you rinse the cart with fresh water after each use. Deluge also sells a pad that attaches to the cart that turns it into a camp stool, this too comes in very handy at times.