Could it turely be this boat was set for int'l specs? Odd for a 23
ft. boat, though.

It's not odd at all. That's about the size of boat where international
lighting starts to become very common. It has nothing to do with where the
boat was manufactured or where it is used. Domestic manufacturers will use
the international lighting scheme on boats that size and above simply
because it is the proper choice for larger vessels. It's also the reason
your port and starboard lights are mounted where they are and not as a small
combo light on the bow. You really need to buy a copy of Chapman's and
study it. Seriously.