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The rudder/tiller connection is a problem with the Ghost 13. Longtime use, material fatigue, and significant forces in heavy winds tend to bend and finally break the tiller head (the tiller hardware that fits over the rudder head).
We found a simple (but crude looking) solution to this problem. The picture (below - click to enlarge) shows the broken, two-part tiller head and our new assembly. On each side, we used an 10" metal strap (also know as "mending plate" and available in every hardware store) and, for good measure, placed another 8" metal strap on top. A couple of nuts and bolts (self-fastening) hold everything together.
Before you try this, make sure to reinforce the tiller by inserting a wooden spar in the hollow tiller tube. The spar (a leftover broomstick may do) should fit tightly. The new assembly has been thoroughly tested in high winds and it seems that it will last for at least another 20 to 30 years.
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Please
note also the two cotter rings (connected by a string) that secure the rudder
pin. The previous owner of our Ghost 13 lost the pin while capsizing and came
up with this solution (wonder how he got home that day without a functioning
rudder).