In the 80's the only electronics I had were a depth sounder, inaccurate speed/log and a compass with an internal night light (the light was electronic).

I used to say "I don't need to know where I am, but I do need to know where I'm not". I remember being caught out in fog on a moonless night, and picking my way back to my home port in New Rochelle, NY by dead-reckoning buoy to buoy. If you know those waters around New Rochelle and City Island (or look at a chart) you'll know NR harbor is well guarded by a gauntlet of granite reefs. Took me about 3 hours to go about 4 miles.