Didn't the French Navy generally outperform the British Navy during the American Revolution. I sure know that the Americans might not have even sniffed victory had the French not managed to successfully contest the local seas, even if they didn't outright defeat the British Navy.
The Marine Royale was certainly capable of giving the RN some stiff competition in the North American theatre, but achieving a tactical draw/strategic victory at the Chesapeake against local forces is a different kettle of fish to destroying the Channel Fleet, which is what would have been needed to allow a successful invasion.
Socrates is right in saying a pre 1760s POD is needed - I would say specifically pre 20 November 1759.