Could the U.S. Navy have prepared better for the War of 1812?

Could the U.S. Navy have prepared better and performed better in the War of 1812?

More funding and ships would have improved American options, but the Royal Navy could reinforce the theater so heavily that the overall balance would remain unfavorable.

Congressional funding could have completed more of the battle fleet the United States had contemplated before the war. Ships of the line might have forced British blockaders to concentrate, creating openings for American heavy frigates to escape on commerce-raiding cruises. Britain, however, possessed enough depth to reinforce the North American station with many more seventy-fours once France ceased to demand the same attention. A larger U.S. fleet might therefore have produced a dramatic fleet action while prompting an even stronger blockade and leaving the strategic imbalance intact.