I think the issue is the marine industry is following the requirements of generally accepted international maritime rules and the US Coast Guard rules. These rules work fine in intercostal and offshore waters where boaters are trained, but problems arise when ignorant operators are operating boats. If you've run boats in the intercoastal waterway at night and seen tugs with tows running spot lights looking for markers, you know there is nothing illegal with lighting on boats. On the lake, running with lights under the deck or underwater, may look a little silly to some, but is likely not illegal. Even running with docking lights only shows a lack of courtesy for other boaters. The use of strobe lights distinguishes a boat from home/dock lights along the bank and serves a valuable purpose, I think. Best advice I follow....find something better to do around the lake after dark than risking you life!