In talking with a retired Navy chief, the US military marinas have been opened to civilians working for the military which has driven the price and availability out of the equasion. So don't count on much there. Also, Tri-care is getting diced up by your less than friendly to the military leaders looking for ways to cut costs. So Tri-care will not be "free" much longer.
10 years ago Cruising World did an article on costs and budget. Their middle of the road budgets were around $25,000 to 35,000 as I recall. (Low end was $15,000/yr) Add in some inflation and $2000/mo seems tight. But then you have plenty of advocates for $500/mo so it really is a very personal decision as to what you can live with.
We have found that many months we can get on OK at around $1200 to $1500 per month but then come the expensive, budget busting months!!!
10 years ago Cruising World did an article on costs and budget. Their middle of the road budgets were around $25,000 to 35,000 as I recall. (Low end was $15,000/yr) Add in some inflation and $2000/mo seems tight. But then you have plenty of advocates for $500/mo so it really is a very personal decision as to what you can live with.
We have found that many months we can get on OK at around $1200 to $1500 per month but then come the expensive, budget busting months!!!