Torque it to the motor spec and if the cotter key hole isn’t lined up with one of the slots in the nut, tighten it until it does. That’s what I do on my Yamaha per the motor manual.
There will be a torque spec in the owners manual. Typically around 50-60 lbs.
X2
X3, and also agree that if the cotter key hole doesn’t line up, nudge it tighter to line it up. Most have a thrush washer, so don’t back it off. that’ll have the prop ‘banging’ back and forth and cause more wear….