Johan’s journey began before Voyager became a part of his life. Soon after arriving from South Africa the Joubert’s purchased a trailer boat, a Sea Nymph, that provided them with countless memories but came with its challenges. “With three daughters, launching and retrieving the boat became a mission, especially in winter. My wife and daughters didn’t enjoy getting wet and cold,” Johan explains. The solution? A proper launch that offered comfort and ease for family adventures.
Determined to avoid substantial debt, Johan scoured the market for an affordable vessel he could refurbish. That’s when he found Voyager, a 45-year-old Vindex 32 sedan, and fell in love with her quintessentially Kiwi pedigree. “The Vindex has a long history and beautiful lines,” he says. “Designed and built here, it’s a boat that embodies New Zealand craftsmanship.”
Johan embarked on the refurbishment with absolute dedication. Over three months, he worked evenings and weekends at a hardstand in Panmure, commuting from his home on Auckland’s North Shore. “I’d work until nine at night after my day job and put in 15-hour days over the weekends,” Johan recalls.
The project wasn’t without its challenges. Midway through, Johan underwent surgery for a hernia. “I took a couple of weeks to recover and then got back to it,” he says. Despite the interruption, he pushed on, determined to have Voyager ready for summer.
Preparing the hull was the most physically demanding aspect of the refurbishment. “The anti-foul process was major,” Johan says. “I considered hiring professionals, but the cost was prohibitive, so I did it myself with a dry sander and vacuum. Seeing the transformation once the new anti-foul was on was incredibly rewarding.”
Inside, Johan retained many original features, preserving the character of the boat. The helm, for example, remains largely original, with its rack-and-pinion steering intact. He did, however, upgrade the electronics, installing a modern Simrad system with dual 12-inch displays and a 3-in-1 scanner.
While the bulk of the work fell to Johan, his youngest daughters played their part. “My youngest especially helped a lot with painting and other tasks,” he shares. “Of course, they didn’t work for free,” he adds with a laugh.
Elaine, Johan’s wife, also made her mark on the Voyager project, gifting Johan a Kingfish rod for Christmas. Within days, the rod was christened with a 105cm, 16kg Kingfish—of course accomplished whilst onboard the newly refurbished Voyager, a doubly-proud moment for the family.
Johan takes immense pride in preserving the legacy of Jim Young’s Vindex designs. “Keeping these early builds alive is important,” he says. “It shows how far the Vindex has come while celebrating its origins. The surveyor who inspected Voyager was surprised at how structurally sound she is after all these years.”
Voyager is already delivering on her promise of family fun and adventure. Recently, Johan and his family enjoyed an overnight trip to Torbay Point, complete with a barbecue and a swim. Looking ahead, Johan envisions voyages to the Coromandel, Great Barrier Island, and beyond.
“The idea is to build confidence and eventually explore further,” he says. “Great Barrier is definitely on the cards. It’ll be our first time there, and I can’t wait to experience the fishing, the bays, and the unique charm of places like Smokehouse Bay.”
For now, Voyager is moored at Gulf Harbour, offering the Joubert family easy access for weekend escapes. Johan’s long-term dreams include upgrading to a larger boat and perhaps even retiring on the water.
“Voyager has been a labour of love, but she’s also a stepping stone,” Johan reflects. “She’s given us the opportunity to enjoy New Zealand’s incredible marine environment while preserving a piece of its history.”
Johan’s story is a reminder of the joys of restoration, the rewards of hard work, and the enduring appeal of a Kiwi classic. Voyager’s journey is far from over, and we can’t wait to see where she takes the Joubert family next.
Vindex 32
Year: late 1970s
Length: 32 ft / 9.75 m
Length Overall: 32 ft / 9.75 m
Beam: 10’8 ft / 3.25 m
Electrical Circuit: 12v
Cabins Count: 1
Related article: Read about Boating New Zealand’s article on the Vindex 350S
