I think it was Danny Devito in "Other Peoples Money" that said, "Lawyers are like nuclear weapons. They have them so we have to have them but if either of us uses them we are all screwed." But seriously, I'd avoid them if possible but it may depend on financing requirements, escrow etc. I've never needed one but I do tons of research including into my brokers and surveyors and have never bought a boat (or a house) as expensive as some of the newer cats.