I smoked the 50 amp circuit breaker, male and female plug receptacles and melted some wiring yesterday. Don't know if the motor took a crap yet but I'm hoping for the best. I picked up all the replacement parts today but was wondering, Would I be better off hard wiring the motor rather than using the plug? Does anyone make a marine grade toggle switch that will take that kind of amperage? I was thinking of wiring it thru a toggle switch to de-energize the motor while the batteries are charging. Or stick with the plug?

Thanks

You can use a battery disconnect switch. There are several types and even a switchable circuit breaker.

Do a web search for both.

Get a switchable circuit breaker. It's standard in most new boats these days. Works like a charm.