Search this forum for Ham and ssb. You will get enough information to make your head spin.
As I am learning radios as well I can not give enough (accurate) info to help.
Each radio has it's place and many people get by with one or the other.
The Pactor modem's can be used with both marine and Ham to send and receive email.
Here is a site about HAM's
http://www.hamuniverse.com