Constitution-class frigates multiply Royal Navy commerce warfare

What if every British frigate in 1790 became a 24-pounder Constitution-class frigate?

Britain gains an overwhelming frigate fleet whose commerce prizes help it recruit crews while rival navies struggle to contest the cruising war.

The estimate is roughly 110 to 120 Royal Navy frigates, so replacing each with a 24-pounder Constitution-type ship would create an overwhelming cruising force. The total could approach 200 only if the hypothetical also included large sloops that resembled frigates. Capturing French commerce would promise prize money and attract volunteers to the new ships. Recruitment would become harder for third rates commanded by little-known captains, while successful frigates and first rates with famous admirals drew men away. The Royal Navy could respond by using its best-known captains to recruit, consistent with its preference for volunteers over pressed men.