You can always buy "short" Nylocks for that very reason. For a total of $16 you will not have to buy new nuts again... not a bad investment, especially for the peace of mind knowing they will not split at an inopportune moment.
Nick
Current Boat Looking for one
Previous Boats '84 H16 '82 H18 Magnum '74 Pearson 30 St. Louis, MO