Boat Inspections: The Lake Panorama Association has the right to inspect any private vessel at any time. The inspection may involve confirming that vessel specifications, safety equipment, and invasive species regulations are up-to-date and examining other aspects of the vessel’s legal operation and use. If everything is satisfactory, the vessel owner will be given a sticker to display. Any boats banned from the lake must have their sticker removed and either returned to a designated L.P.A. representative or destroyed. Evidence of this destruction must be provided. Unfortunately, no refunds for permit fees will be given.

Enforcement Authorities: All boats navigating on Lake Panorama must adhere to the Iowa Boating laws issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources unless the Lake Panorama Association amends these regulations. The L.P.A. reserves the right to designate representatives and agents to ensure these regulations are enforced and obtain the necessary gear for patrolling the lake. Should the need arise, the L.P.A. Security Supervisor will be the final judge in deciding what activities require additional safety measures.

Boat Impoundment: Any watercraft found violating the Lake Panorama Association’s regulations or limitations, parked overnight on L.P.A. property, or declared abandoned may be impounded. Vessels will be returned to the owner only after payment of all associated penalties and costs determined solely by L.P.A.

Boating Guidelines For Personal Watercraft: Operators of PWC who are 16 or 17 must pass and have in their possession the basic boating certification as required by the State of Iowa. Operators should also remember that a vessel should not be operated at speeds over ten mph from half an hour after sunset until sunrise. PWCs should never be handled within 50 feet of any shoreline, stationary vessel, or dock at a speed exceeding ten mph.

Member Registration Limit: Members of Lake Panorama are only allowed to register a maximum of two power vessels over ten hp for the season. The maximum length for boats registered at the lake is 24 feet, including swim platforms, while pontoon boats can measure up to 27 feet. Bigger boats purchased before September 1997 that have been continuously registered are exempt from this rule. The registration of sailboards is not allowed. Meanwhile, houseboats are prohibited from the lake. As with other classifications, those continuously registered before May 22, 2018, are exempt as long as they remain with the current owner. Additionally, all electric-powered vessels and watercraft are banned until Lake Panorama releases rules for their usage. Electric trolling motors are still allowed.

Boat Registration Requirements: Only members of the Lake Panorama Association may register their vessels. A member must provide a current state Boat Registration Certificate showing them as the vessel’s owner. Vessels can be registered in person at the Association Office in Panora, Iowa, during regular office hours, or by mail to P.O. Box 157, Panora, Iowa 50216. Only authorized L.P.A. personnel are allowed to issue boat permits subject to invasive species regulations.

Definition of Invasive Specie: An Invasive Specie is any plant and animal species with the capacity to reproduce rapidly owing to a lack of other species or basic controls that exist with “invasive” species in their natural environment. Aquatic invasive species include but are not limited to, several Asian carp species, zebra or quagga mussels, Eurasian carp water milfoil, and marine species categorized as such.