Shortwave is only a range of frequencies 3 to 30 MHz

SSB or Single Sideband is a modulation type such as AM,FM, SSB

For How AM and SSB works see URL:
http://www.williamson-labs.com/480_mod.htm

As far as cost -- there is a very wide range:

Shortwave receiver reviews at URL:
http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/features/m...s/rx_curr.html

AND

http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/8

--
Caveat Lector



"Rico" wrote in message
...
I'm interested from a boating perspective. What's the best option with the
lowest initial cost?