Courageuse was laid down in 1777 and launched in April 1778. She spent about eleven years in French service before capture and then four years in the Royal Navy. Her British career was short because the navy had little enthusiasm for keeping her in an active role. Capturing a hull did not guarantee that its new owner considered it worth retaining for prolonged service.
Notable Point · 53:44-54:20
Why Courageuse had a short Royal Navy career
Courageuse served France for about eleven years and Britain for only four, showing that capture did not guarantee a long active career under a new flag.