OD4me,

For any given canoe (or boat for that matter), a longer, more narrow hull will always be a 'faster' boat.  The MNII would be technically faster on paper.  That said, most paddlers will not approach or at least be able to maintain max hull speed.  I feel like I was able to keep up a more aggressive pace with the Blackhawk over the MNII.  I attribute that to a 25-30% (depending on layup and which figures you use) reduction in mass over the MNII and the Blackhawk's pinched gunnels.  It's race inspired design means your strokes are more parallel to the centerline, resulting in a more efficient stroke.  I only paddled the Deep Creek unloaded while fishing, but still a great canoe.  It compares closely to the Wenonah Spirit II in size/shape.  I am a stern paddler and I liked the design of the Blackhawk.  I would choose it over any of these canoes with the Deep Creek being a second.  I'm not sure would have been able to stand an entire trip in the bow with the narrow gunnels, but then I don't care to paddle bow in any canoe.  I also really liked the padded sliding tractor seats. 

Incidentally, Williams and Hall just redesigned their website and they now have rates for the tandem carbon fiber canoes at $54 per day, $7 more than a Kevlar boat.  That's only $35 more per person for a 10 day trip and a bargain for the weight savings you get, IMHO. 

pd