One of the things I appreciate about classic boats is they are replete with old fashioned ways of doing things relative to some of the newer vessels with the modern electronic conveniences.
For example, the diesel tank on the vessel does not have a float or gauge or any sort. One simply removes a bold from the access port, inserts a dipstick into the tank, reads the marks on the stick where it turns from dry to wet, and confirms remaining gallons of fuel by review of a chart. Easy enough! And there’s something affirming and satisfying, perhaps even reassuring, about this process.
Am I tempted to put a sensor on the side of the tank, to run wires, set up a display at the navigation station to obviate the need of the process mentioned? Absolutely not! This process initiated the mindset of being aware of fuel on board, range, etc. Further, I don’t need to worry about a failure of the electronics.
Sailing Ruby 