I don't have any first hand experience with problems but obviously you will find many here that have. I do believe in surge protectors and did buy the progressive industries portable one off of Ebay, several years ago. I got a really good price on a new one. I do wish I had gotten the hardwired version so I wouldn't have to worry about theft and forgetting it at home when I leave for a trip.
That said, yes, it is like owning a boat. I owned a 1968 Viking, double mahogany hulled boat with upper and lower stern. Neither the boat or RV are to be considered investments.
Do get a surge protector. I even installed a whole house surge protector in my home that wires into the circuit breaker panel.