Final answer:
Vessels under oars or paddles and sailboats under 23 feet are not required to have a white or partially white hull. They must display red and green sidelights and must have an all-around white light visible from at least two miles away. These regulations differ from motorboats due to their varying speed and maneuverability.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to the regulations for vessels under oars or paddles, and sailboats under 23 feet, there are specific rules they must follow for safety and navigation purposes. Firstly, there is no requirement that states these vessels must have a white or partially white hull only. However, they do need to display specific navigational lights at night to ensure they are visible to other vessels. Sailboats of this size must have red and green sidelights, which should be visible to other boats to indicate the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the vessel. Vessels under oars or paddles may also display these lights, or they can opt to have an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light ready to be exhibited in time to prevent a collision.
Lastly, these boats are not required to follow the same regulations as motorboats because they are generally unable to maintain the speed and maneuverability of motor-powered vessels. The most crucial requirement for these vessels is to have an all-around white light that is visible from at least two miles away. It is worth noting that this light is not just for visibility but also as a means of indicating their presence to other vessels to prevent collisions. It is essential for safety on the waters that all vessels adhere strictly to these lighting requirements, especially after dark.