> I have to agree on the strobe; that flash really is visible.
> Unfortunately, I believe that a strobe on the water is considered to be a
> distress beacon, and is not allowed for general visibility. Have the rules
> changed?

Yup, a stobe is still for distress.

If you don't want to go with the fully rigged lights, you can get a Coast Guard approved 2 color light that's a clip-on ~$12 just make sure that it will stay on if you and the boat are separated.