Front hatch bolts tightness

Hi,

Yesterday, I detected a leak on one of the bolts that hold the front hatch bungee cord. Given this, I decided to remove the part, clean it, and apply silicone to seal the leak.

When I proceeded to remove the bolt, I noticed that it wasn't tight. The nut could turn freely when I turned the bolt with a screwdriver.

After removing, cleaning, and applying silicone, I retightened the bolt and nut to a "snug tight" level. However, after doing so, I started wondering if this was the correct tightness. Was the original looseness meant to accommodate thermal expansion, or was it a manufacturing oversight?

I would appreciate any input from you.

Thanks a lot.

i just did this as well. same reasoning.

i snugged it down. it is a nyloc nut so it backing out isnt a concern. i didnt gorilla it down (no offense to our primates), but i just snugged it. on the brightside..my kayak is submarine water tight...(after i siliconed sealed all the rod holder inserts)

Thanks KungFowlChicken for your response. I left it like that: snug. I think the looseness was a production overlook, unless someone else says the contrary.

I'll be on the lookout for new leaks. Maybe one day I'll have mine "submarine water tight"

Cheers