I had discussion about that topic with a boating safety instructor last year.
He said that both bow and stern lights are absolutely required.
How does one attach bow lights? I have yet to find any that attach to an inflatable.
We always use a suction cup stern light - mounted on top of the outboard.
There is one busy anchorage where I will have my son hold a clamp on red/green bow light.
Given all that, I hardly ever see anyone using lights on their inflatables other than a flashlight.
Mike
Oasis #2