I really like ham radio and have for over 45 years. Having said that I also see the need for having a CB to keep up with non ham friends and truckers for road info.
If you have the urge able to talk along way (perhaps around the world) you might want to look into getting a ham liscense. Years ago being a ham meant you had to learn morse code, a condition that discouraged many. Now, however, a "no code" technician class liscense will allow you to operate many bands including the popular 2 meter band (144 to 148 Mhz) which works very much like the vhf marine band (both fm). Most areas have ham clubs that can help and have folks who can administer the test.
You won't be able to work around the world on 2 meters, but when linked with several repeaters you can cover several states.
Sorry guys, just had to plug ham radio. BE careful though, like our Cummins trucks, these things can become habit forming.
K5IP
Rog