I would go brighter where you can, but only with top quality LED bulbs [e.g., MarineBeam, etc.]
I can say this because three years ago we did the same; we updated our existing AquaSignal Series 40 nav light fixtures with
these purpose built MarineBeam LED bulbs.
As you already know, the LED colors need to match the nav lights lens colors- using 'warm white' for clear lenses.
We judged the LEDs to be maybe 25% brighter [subjective] than the old 25 watt incandescent bulbs, and they trued the colors showing through the tropics bleached colored nav light lenses. [The starboard lens was looking more blue than green- from UV exposure over the years- with the old incandescent bulb... The LED made it appear green again...]
However, we also want better than 2 mile visibility, and more robust, truly waterproof fixtures. Therefore I plan to replace all of our
deck level nav lights with
Hella 3 mile sealed LED fixtures.
I mention this in case you want to compare the cost of good LED bulbs [e.g., MarineBeam] to new, certified [IMO COLREG, USCG, RINA, NZCG, ABYC] waterproof (IP67) fixtures.
Note: The Hella specs indicate the 3 mile range is for 'Power boats' only. My understanding is that means if a sailboat is heeled to a certain degree while sailing [I haven't found a mentioned angle yet...] the stated 3 mile range may be reduced... My solution is to turn on the tri-color instead of the
deck level nav lights if I'm heeled that much anyway...
Either of these solutions
work well. The LEDs are cheaper to get up and going, but the Hellas appear to be far more robust [and certified] so will likely have a longer fixture life if occasionally exposed to inclement conditions.
Best wishes sorting out what best suits your needs.
Cheers! Bill