If you are at all good with reading manuals and programming radios, I recommend the ICOM 706, which is a HAM radio and will operate on the SSB maritime bands. You should play around with such a radio and get comfortable with it before you leave the dock. On the ocean is no time to be trying to figure out a radio.
I use one of these in my truck, on my boat, and at home.
Advantages of HAM radio's--The best reason to get one is you can spin the dial to change frequencies while most marine SSB require punching in the numerical frequenices and then programming them into memory. Sound easy? It is not. It's a PITA. It is SO much easier to spin the dial to a given frequency and be on the air after pressing the autotune button to tune the radio.
I use an insulated backstay cut to be out of reach from someone on deck and otherwise as long as possible for good regional coverage.
One final note. It is worthwhile getting a HAM license. They are cheap, and not difficult to test for. The HAM community is very helpful. A percentage of HAM's are shut-in's--blind, parapalegic, or elderly, that can't leave their homes easily. These people are fun to talk to and monitor the airwaves constantly. If you make friends with some, they will listen for you on a given frequency and provide helpful services. They are only to glad to help you pass email messages, or make phone calls--all of which could be lifesavers in an emergency. In return, they get to live through your related experiences.