im 33 yrs. old and bought my first boat 10 years ago. ive been bass fishing and in bass boats night fishing since i was a kid with my dad. i had no idea that it mattered what side the lights were on. i have always just got out of the way when i see them and have had no problems. i guess if u dont know and get out of the way, it could be easier than trying to figure out what light is what. LOL.