D&D 5E What ability check for piloting a ship?

Vehicle and Tool checks always depend on circumstance. If you are trying to keep a ship from veering off course during a terrible storm then Strength would come into play if you are manning the helm. If you are the Captain in such a situation then Charisma to keep your crew inspired and working hard to hold fast the rigging would probably be better. Meanwhile a sailor might be using Dexterity to fasten the sails quickly. If the sea is calm and you are trying to navigate by the stars or coastal landmarks I would say Intelligence. If you're in the Crow's Nest keeping an eye out for land I'd say Wisdom. If the ocean is still and you haven't seen land for days and are running low on water and food I might even call for a Constitution check to see how well you manage to avoid cabin fever.
 

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