That's pretty strange. I don't know if the Colregs specifically say you have to have nav lights installed (I don't think they do), but if you're out after sunset, you have to have them (sunset to sunrise when under way). They would have been installed and wired at the factory. Or should have been.
There's no deck connection for the masthead (steaming) light on the front of the mast?
From the Colregs:
PART C - LIGHTS AND SHAPES
Rule 20 - Application
(a) Rules in this part shall be complied with in all weathers.
(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.
(c) The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.
(d) The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.
(e) The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with the provisions of Annex I [to these Regulations | of these Rules].
Edit: I've heard, but can't find written in any rules, that if lights are there, they have to work. Not something to worry about until you're boarded by the harbor police or CG, but obviously it's in your best interest to get them working. Bad weather can pop up any time, and that constitutes restricted visibility (sub-paragraph c). And you never know when you'll get back later than planned. And it always seems to take longer to get where you're going than you think, especially under sail.
