I suggest you employ a broker as buyers agent. Someone where the boat is located. Bill of Sale should be minimum, but there might be other documents.
They can manage the funds transfer with less risk for you than dealing direct with the owner, perhaps assist with negotiating the final price, ensure your purchase contract has 'outs' for survey and sea trial completions and walk you through the normal process in that jurisdiction. If they cant handle the title aspects directly then they will have contacts with a business that does do it. And that business will handle funds for settlement. In Seattle I found Pacific Maritime Title to be excellent, but not sure if they would do an international settlement. A lawyer who is not familiar with boat transactions wont add much value.
On return to the US get it USCG documented. Check the steps involved with that now so that you get all you need from the seller at the time of settlement.
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Brian
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