Q: Can the LPA impound a boat?
A: Yes, but only in limited situations. Section 5.1(f) of the LPA Rules and Regulations states that the LPA maintains the right to impound vessels under any one the following circumstances:
Any vessel found in violation of any of the rules, regulations, covenants or restrictions of the Lake Panorama Association, any documents recorded at the Guthrie County courthouse, or any State of Iowa Boating Laws.
Any vessel found to be docked overnight at one of LPA’s community properties or docks.
Any vessel, which in the reasonable judgement of LPA, is believed to be abandoned and/or unattended and which would pose an imminent safety concern to other LPA members.
Vessels shall be released to the owner only upon full payment of all associated fines and fees, as established at the sole discretion of LPA.
Q: How old does a person need to be to legally drive a boat on Lake Panorama?
A: The short answer is 16, with some stipulations. The longer answer is from section 5.1(i) of the LPA Rules and Regulations, which states: “Any operator of a motorized vessel in excess of 10 hp must be at least sixteen (16) years of age AND if under 18 must have passed and have in their possession the boater education certification approved by the Iowa DNR or be accompanied by a responsible person of at least eighteen (18) years of age who is familiar with boating operation.”
Q: I watched a boat racing at a high speed by our home this evening. Is there a speed limit at night?
A: Yes. The speed limit between sundown and sunrise is 10 mph. No vessel is to operate at speed in excess of that from a half hour after sunset until sunrise. This is stated in 5.1(k) of the LPA Rules and Regulations.
Q: I heard that boats cannot have portable toilets in them? Is that true?
A: Read closely. Section 5.1(x) of the LPA Rules and Regulations states that no vessel shall be equipped with sanitary facilities of any kind that are capable of discharging directly into the water.
Q: How large is Lake Panorama?
A: Lake Panorama is the largest private lake development in Iowa with 1,160 acres of lake surface within the development and more than 30 miles of shoreline. About 1,100 residences have been built at the lake, and the Lake Panorama Association now represents more than 1,750 member/property owners.