An item discussed the need for steam launches on board of the warships and referred to the recently purchased pair of folding boats of the Berthon design/ Just like the Royal British Navy were these non expensive boats to be tested while they could be of use during expeditions. One person could carry such a boat and in which 10-12 persons could be transported.(1)
Source
Kamerstuk Tweede Kamer 1880-1881 kamerstuknummer 5 ondernummer 2. Colonial annual account over 1880 dealing with the Dutch East Indies. The account reported in fact over the events in 1879.