Required items on boat for coast gaurd

[Gerald]

Item 4....Ray...what is a "night visual distress signals"? Is this just the front and back running lights? Does this apply in inshore waters like Big Lake?

Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.

Item 7....."Backfire Flame control". What is this???? Do all outboard engines have this?

All gasoline powered inboard/outboard or inboard motor boats must be equipped with an approved backfire flame control device.

Item 8......I see that all boats need to have a "sound device" [ie. whistle] on board. I need to get one. Can this be cheep plastic type whistle......must be heard from 1/2 mile away.
LDWF web site says:

<H3>SOUND SIGNALING DEVICES:

Every motorboat or vessel of Class 1, 2, or 3, shall be provided with an efficient whistle or other sound-producing mechanical appliance. Every motorboat or vessel of Class 2 or 3 shall be provided with an efficient bell.

</H3>

My boat is a Class A......less than 16 feet. LDWF says that I don't need a whistle.....which is correct?