Yes, it was, but that was not just a function of adding carrier capability.
The original YF-17 was a lightweight air superiority fighter, while the F/A-18 was an all-weather, multi-role tactical fighter.
And in any case, I'd still call the F/A-18 a successful carrier-based derivative of a land-based design.
(You should bear in mind that Boeing, and McD/D before always had a vested interest in emphasising the difference between the YF-17 and the Hornet - as all the lawsuits demonstrated. As a result, the aircraft are often portrayed as being less inter-related than they really are.)